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Senior Scene
Fall 2017
enior cene
S
Alzheimer’s
THE MINOT DAILY NEWS Office located at 301-4th St. SE, Minot.
is a devastating disease
For inquiries, call:
Jamie Hammer, director of nursing at Trinity Homes, displays some of the sensory activities that Alzheimerʼs patients work with at the nursing home. Andrea Johnson/MDN
By ANDREA JOHNSON Staff Writer • ajohnson@minotdailynews.com
Alzheimer’s disease can be a disease as devastating for family members as it is for those who are living with the degenerative brain disease. Chennille Currier, Williston, has two family members living with the disease – her mother, Debby Olson, and her grandfather. “My mom is directly affected,” said Currier. “She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 56.” Currier and other family members resolved to care for their loved one as best they can at home. “You just take every day as it comes,” said Currier. “My, dad, myself and three siblings serve as caretakers for her.” Currier said there were behavioral changes that indicated there was something very wrong with her mom.
“She was let go from a position that she’d worked in for 15 years because she wasn’t able to catch on to the software,” said Currier. She said Currier struggled to find the words for something she wanted to say. She withdrew from activities, even though she’d always been very active in the community. Currier and her family learned that there is no cure as yet and no real way to slow the onset of the disease, but medical professionals do what they can to manage the symptoms. It is hard to explain the effects of the illness to people who don’t live with it day by day. Currier said she stresses the importance of a support network and for caretakers to take the time to care for themselves as well. Her mom still lives at home with her husband and her children help care for her. Her paternal grandfather, who also has Alzheimer’s, is also able to live at home and is cared for by family. A large group of family and friends walked to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association last month. She said the Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource for people living with Alzheimer’s and for their caregivers.
The organization is offering classes across the state in September, providing offering practical tips for caregivers on topics such as effective communication strategies with someone who has Alzheimer’s, understanding and responding to dementia related behavior and the latest research on heading off Alzheimer’s. Currier said her mother also has a good doctor in Williston whom they see every six months. The doctor runs tests of her mother’s cognitive ability. “My big thing is to take it day by day and just know that whether it’s here or later, they’ll get their healing,” said Currier. “Love them even when they’re not able to express that love.” Jamie Hammer, the director of nursing at Trinity Homes in Minot, said Alzheimer’s is a health problem that looms large on the horizon as Baby Boomers age. One statistic says that more than 28 million Baby Boomers will eventually develop Alzheimer’s and the disease will account for about 28 percent of Medicare spending. See MEMORY — Page 3
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Senior Scene is published quarterly by Minot Daily News. It is coordinated by Kent Olson.
Senior Scene
Fall 2017
Memory
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At Trinity Homes there are 20 memory care beds and 12 transitional care beds for people living with Alzheimer’s. Both are in secure units and residents are closely monitored to keep them from wandering off. Many people who require nursing care are in the later stages of the illness. Early signs of a problem – like those noticed by Olson’s family – might include memory loss that disrupts daily life, finding it a challenge to plan ahead or solve problems, trouble understanding visual images and trouble with spatial ability. Hammer said families might notice that the loved one seems to bump into things a lot and experiences more falls. If they misplace something, they may have trouble retracing
their steps and finding it again. Families might notice a change in the person’s mood or personality and the person may withdraw from work or social settings. Medical care can help. Some medications like cholinesterase inhibitor might help delay or slow the worsening of symptoms, said Hammer. Memantine might help to improve memory and attention. But there is no real cure. People can interact with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s by engaging the five senses. For instance, a caregiver might show the patient an object he remembers from when he was younger and use it to discuss a memory. The smell or taste of an apple pie can bring back early memories. The comfort of a caring touch is also important. Hammer said communication with an Alzheimer’s pa-
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tient means using simple words and phrases. Caregivers and family members should always speak to the Alzheimer’s patient in a respectful manner and should treat them as the age that they are. Volunteers as well as family members spend hours reading to residents in the Alzheimer’s unit or engaging with them in other ways. Hammer said the nursing home has a garden where Alzheimer’s patients might work. They also go to different outings, such as taking trips to the zoo. Hammer said research sugSubmitted Photo gests that eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and ex- Family and friends of Debby Olson walked in the Alzheimerʼs Association ercise and engaging with walk last month to raise money for a cure for Alzheimerʼs. friends and family are possible ways to reduce the chance of getting Alzheimer’s. Others work with memory puzzles or other activities that help keep the mind sharp.
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Senior Scene
Fall 2017
Hearing aids more affordable Social Security recipients, Medicare beneficiaries with ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ pricing By JAMES C. FALCON Trinity Health
About 48 million Americans over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss, the Hearing Loss Association of America reports. One of every three seniors over 65, and one of every two over 75, has difficulty hearing. To help combat the different degrees of hearing loss, those who struggle with communicating have turned to forms of technology. According to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, a branch of the National Institute of Health, about 28.8 million adults in the United States can benefit from using hearing aids. Perhaps you looked into hearing Submitted Photo aids and maybe you were intimidated Trinity Health audiologists Laura Greer, Jerrica Maxson, and by the large price tag attached to this saving grace. What exactly does that Tricia Nechodom. cost reflect? The price of a hearing aid Loaner Hearing Aids Available to Audiology Patients may not only reflect the cost of the If an audiology patient needs to have their hearing aids repaired, a loaner hearing aid itself, but of services that come with it – services that you may bank at Trinity Health can come to the rescue. While hearing aids are being repaired, the bank lends out a replacement set in the meantime, explained never need. Now, with a “pay as you go” philos- Tricia Nechodom, AuD, an audiologist with Trinity Health. “We will be able to provide any of our patients with equipment,” Neophy, audiology patients at Trinity Health can potentially save as they no chodom said. “It takes about a week, a week and a half, for the hearing aid longer have to buy packages that in- to come back from being repaired. Some patients canʼt go that long without their hearing aid.” clude services they don’t need. Once patients have hearing aids, they rely on them. “Itʼs helpful to keep Trinity’s Audiology team, which includes audiologists Laura Greer, Jerrica their lives running smoothly if we can,” she said. The bank is maintained by the audiology department, which includes NeMaxson, and Tricia Nechodom, AuDs., now provides an itemized model, chodom, Jerrica Maxson, AuD, and Laura Greer, AuD, and is supplemented which is recommended by the Ameri- from donations from patients, as well as older technology and demo models can Academy of Audiology and the from the hearing aid manufacturers. “If someone is upgrading and they Academy of Doctors of Audiology and have a set of hearing aids that still work, some patients choose to donate them,” Nechodom said. “We like having hearing aids here available to loan endorsed by the Hearing Loss Associabecause quite a few people rely on them.” tion of America. Itemization went info Currently, there are about 20 hearing aids in the bank and Nechodom esaffect in January. timates loaners are programmed at least once a week. “Patients have been happy and imThe department is always accepting donations of hearing aids. Once the pressed with the transparency and hearing aid technology is too outdated or the hearing aid is no longer functheir choice in hearing care,” Ne- tional, they can be sent to one of the manufacturers for parts. Some of chodom says, noting that patients are those hearing aids are actually donated to mission programs and help peoable to more fully understand all costs ple across the world, Nechodom said. associated with the hearing aid. Donations to the hearing aid loan bank can be made by dropping them “Before, patients would see a figure off at or mailing them to the Audiology department, at: Health Center-West, anywhere between $1,500 and $3,150 Suite 203, 101 3rd Avenue SW, Minot, ND 58701. per aid and not understand why it cost Nechodom was also instrumental in starting a pediatric hearing aid and that much,” she explained. “They’ve cochlear implant bank for families across the state. As part of North Dakota been happy to see the breakdown.” Hands and Voices, a parent-run organization for families of children with The classic model for hearing aid hearing loss, the bank helps provide hearing aids or cochlear implants to sales was a bundling model, in which families while insurance is pending, equipment is being repaired, or the famthe patient would purchase a particular ily is pursuing a hearing aid trial prior to cochlear implantation. This bank is also housed at Trinity Health. See HEAR — Page 6
targets of new scams
Another new scam is targeting people who receive Social Security benefits. A scammer calls from a 323 area code, posing as a Social Security Administration employee. In some instances, the scammer tells the victim he or she is due a cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefit. The caller then tries to get the victim to “verify” their Social Security number, name, date of birth, and other personal information. If the scammer succeeds, they use the information to make changes to the victim’s direct deposit, address, and telephone information. Never provide information such as your Social Security number or bank account number to unknown people over the phone or internet. If you have questions about any Social Security communication – a call, letter, or email – contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-7721213. Medicare Scam New Medicare cards arriving next year will no longer include Social Security numbers, a move designed to protect against fraud and identity theft. Having your Social Security number removed from your Medicare card will help fight medical identity theft and protect both your medical and financial information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will begin mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries in April 2018. The cards will automatically be mailed to all current beneficiaries by April 2019, so you don’t need to do anything to receive one. Scams relating to the new card are already surfacing. Some Medicare recipients report getting calls from scam-
LYLE HALVORSON
AARP North Dakota Communications Director
mers who tell them they must pay for the new card and then ask them for their checking account and Medicare card numbers. You won’t have to pay anyone or give anyone information, no matter what someone might tell you on the phone. Don’t give out either number. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, and asks for your Social Security number or bank information, just hang up. It’s a scam. Medicare won’t call you and Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information. Fraud Presentations in Your Community AARP has a group of volunteers who are trained to be “Fraud Fighters,” and are willing to provide valuable presentations to help protect North Dakotans from fraud and scams. The Fraud Fighters are equipped with resources and up-to-date information to help safeguard against identity theft and other scams. Presentations include information on how to spot and avoid scams, and how to protect yourself and your family. If you know of an organization or service club that would be interested in offering a Fraud Watch Network presentation to alert people to scams and fraud, please email AARPND@aarp.org, or call 355-3643 or toll-free 866-5545383.
Understanding your medicare Minot Commission on benefits can help you Aging will showcase their identify fraud, abuse, and Senior Center during a inappropriate sales practices
Fall 2017
You know that understanding your Medicare benefits helps you make informed care and treatment decisions, but did you know it is also the key to fraud and abuse prevention? You, the Medicare beneficiary, with a little knowledge are in the best position to prevent schemes and scams. Scammers assume lack of knowledge on behalf of the potential victim (that’s you!) for the scam to work. If, for instance, you understand that Medicare requires proof of your INDIVIDUAL medical necessity to pay for an item or service, you would also know that general ads you see on TV or in the newspapers claiming that everyone with Medicare is entitled to a back brace paid for by Medicare are untrue and misleading. A medical professional would have to document YOUR medical necessity for the claim to be properly paid. If your doctor (who knows you and your medical history best) didn’t do that, who did? If you are in need of a service or piece of equipment, you should avoid offerings through advertisements, and instead talk with your personal health care professional. You might think “what harm could there be in calling the phone number, asking some questions, and gathering some information?” At some point in the future, you will be sorry you made that call. Even if you ultimately decide not to buy/receive the item or service, your phone will continue to ring with offers from that company (and those they have sold your information to) for years to come. And, because of your interest, you have now given them “permission” to call you. Other examples of mass service provision offers are done more personally by mailing a letter or postcard “invitation” to your home. Scammers may also show up at your housing complex or neighborhood, your senior center, or other places older adults congregate and feel comfortable so often let down their guard. If you are being offered group physical therapy, DNA tests (most often via cheek swab), screening tests out of a van, special shoes, or anything else you didn’t ask for or don’t need, walk away. Even if you don’t have to pay for the item or
Senior Scene
LINDA MADSEN
ND SMP Project Director North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities service, you will most likely be asked to show them your Medicare card (to prove you are eligible for whatever they are offering), which they will promptly use to bill Medicare, often using false medical documentation. So, how can you help prevent being taken advantage of by these scammers? – Be careful who you give out your personal information to (name, address, phone, e-mail). – Never let an uninvited salesman into your home. If you do, make sure your personal papers are put away out of site, and that you have another person with you. Don’t let the salesperson pressure you into a hasty decision. – Guard your Medicare card (and number) and only show it to legitimate health care professionals at their permanent place of business. (Never use it as ID to enter an educational presentation or event.) – Be a proactive health care consumer by inquiring about items you need and want. Don’t buy items you have not inquired about and don’t need. Better yet, talk to your health care provider about equipment, tests, or services you think you may need. Being an informed consumer is the key to preventing Medicare fraud and abuse. Your careful and thoughtful actions could help save precious Medicare dollars that could be used to help you or someone you know. Report suspected Medicare fraud to ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu or 1800-233-1737. Reprinted with permission from the Colorado SMP.
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celebration of National Senior Center Month
By Irene Gousheh horizons and present new MCA Activities Coordinator, choices and new advenMinot Commission on Aging tures. MCA offers “Bone At an open house event Builder” classes twice a scheduled for Sept. 26, 11 week to help individuals a.m. - 1 p.m., Minot Com- build strength and balance, mission on Aging will high- along with a social time. Yoga, using a chair or light the valuable programs, activities and services that mat, is offered in 8 week sessions. they offer. “Stepping On,” an eviMCA will enlighten community members and sen- dence based program to preiors on how they focus on vent falls, is progressing well helping individuals master at the center! The interest the art of aging. The event was so great, that an addiwill include informational tional series of classes is booths on senior services planned for later this fall. All and programs, as well as an of these programs provide a opportunity for those attend- safe environment for indiing to experience the senior viduals to become physinutrition program or the cally active and there is no Parker Center Coffee Shop, fee required for participaboth in newly renovated and tion. Educational days, where decorated venues. Local seniors and family members are several speakers provide inencouraged to attend to see formation on their programs and experience the friendly and services, are great ways and welcoming atmosphere. for seniors to become more Individuals search to un- aware and informed. A derstand their own needs newly formed book club ofamidst competing demands fers members a chance to and responsibilities from read and discuss interesting their families, jobs and com- books. The Minot Public Limunities. At their senior brary presents a technology center, they are able to find class once a month to help programs and resources that seniors learn how to use that inspire them to make the “smart phone,” computer or most of their time, talents IPAD. Legal Services of ND and resources. Our local has a professional available center provides opportuni- once a month to answer any ties for seniors to become legal questions one may empowered, enlightened, have. Staff members trained through the ND Senior engaged and enriched. Physical activity pro- Health Insurance Counselgrams offer opportunities ing Program, assist seniors that expand individuals’ with Medicare Part D enroll-
ment, and other Medicare questions or concerns. Enrichment programs connect adults to fun, lifelong interests, and new passions. Outings to other communities, the zoo and local dances, along with fashion shows, birthday celebrations and special “tea” parties, all contribute to life enrichment. The senior nutrition program, offered Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., provides a nutritious and tasty meal for a confidential voluntary donation, in a welcoming space and an opportunity to create and develop friendships that give an added value to participants’ lives. There is nothing better than good conversation and fellowship with a hot meal! Health maintenance programs that offer foot care services by trained and qualified nurses are available at several times and in a variety of locations in our region, including the Parker Senior Center. Appointments are required for these services, which are also available with a voluntary donation. The Minot Commission on Aging has been a longtime advocate for seniors and services in Region II of North Central North Dakota. The Parker Center, located at 21 1st Avenue SE, in downtown Minot, is the home for all of these activities and services.
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Hear
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package that included the hearing aid and so many services in one lump sum. While appealing, some services included in the package were paid for, but never rendered. “Our nationally recognized itemized model sets us apart from other clinics,” Nechodom says. “Hearing aids and assistive devices are a large investment, and separating their costs from the professional services prevents our patients from paying for services they may never use.” Nechodom likened the model to purchasing a car: you buy the car and then purchase services – oil changes or new tires, for example – for it as you go along. The itemized service model offers transparency. Products are separated from professional services and broken down into an itemized list. Hearing aid pricing is more transparent to consumers, Nechodom says. “We want hearing aids to be as accessible as possible. We provide the patients with the choice to pay-as-you-go or add a service plan.”
Fall 2017
Itemization helps make hearing aids affordable – potentially by a thousand dollars – and improves access to hearing healthcare, Nechodom adds. “With internet sales and a push for overthe-counter hearing aid products at the national level, there are more options than ever for patients to purchase hearing aids,” she says, noting that most manufacturers produce hearing aids that can be programmed at Trinity Health. “We want to help people hear – it doesn’t matter where you get the product.” “We don’t just sell hearing aids. We want to rehabilitate our patients hearing through evidence-based clinical practice. The hearing aid is only one tool in the improved communication toolbox,” Nechodom adds, noting that she doesn’t want the cost to prohibit the patient’s ability to hear. “No matter what the budget is, I feel we have a solution to fit our patients’ communication needs.” Trinity Health’s Audiology department is available to help with your hearing aid and other hearing-related needs. Their offices are located at Health Center-West, 101 3rd Avenue SW, in Minot. For an appointment, please call 857-5986.
Fall 2017
By Russell Gloor Certified Social Security Advisor of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: My wife is 66 and not collecting S.S. She wants to wait until age 70 to collect the larger benefit, but I know she could collect now and her payments will grow if she continues to work until age 70 because there were at least 4 years that she had no income and several years where her income was only $2k - $3k. . In the next 5 years she will earn around $25K per year. My question is, what will be the difference in benefits at age 70 if she just waits to collect versus if she collects now and continues to contribute to S.S? Our birth dates are 12/1950 (wife) and 05/1953. I am not yet collecting benefits. Signed: Trying to Maximize our Benefits Dear Trying: The first thing to keep in mind is that for each year of your wife’s working career her earnings are adjusted for inflation before her benefit calculation is done. So, for example, $3,000 earned in 1971 would, for purposes of computing her benefit, be adjusted to about $21,450 in today’s dollars. The same is true for earnings in each of the years up to when your wife turned 60 years old, but only to the maximum taxable earnings for each year. So your wife’s benefit would only increase as a result of her working now if she earned more than any of the inflation-adjusted earnings for one or more of the years in the 35 years used to calculate her benefit. However, replacing any years in which she had zero earnings would improve her benefit a small amount. Since your wife has reached her Social Security “full retirement age” of 66, she’s entitled to 100% of what’s called her “primary insurance amount”, or PIA. For each year she waits beyond age 66 she’ll earn delayed re-
Social Security Matters Q&A Senior Scene
tirement credits (DRCs) to the tune of 8%per year, up to age 70. So if her PIA is $1,000 at age 66, she would instead receive $1,320 if she retires at age 70. Considering that any adjustment to her PIA from working would actually be very small due to the 35 year averaging and earnings indexing, the guaranteed 8% per year benefit increase would appear to be a prudent path. However, there’s another strategy you may want to consider. Since both of you were 62 years of age prior to January 1, 2016, you have available to you a strategy known as the “Restricted Application”. This “loophole” was closed by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 for all except those born prior to 1954. Using this strategy, one spouse can begin receiving benefits and the other spouse can, once they reach their full retirement age, file a “Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only” and allow their own personal benefit to earn Delayed Retirement Credits up to age 70. This would typically be used to enable a lower-earning spouse to begin benefits while the higher-earning spouse’s benefit grew to its maximum of 132% of PIA. Using this strategy, your wife could start her benefits now, and you could file the restricted application and collect spousal benefits from her work record while letting your own grow at 8% per year until you are 70. You would then switch to your own larger retirement benefits. At that point your wife could switch to spousal benefits from your record if higher than her own, and both of you will have collected benefits on her record during the years in between. A final note: An important consideration is the potential increased survivor’s benefit your wife would be entitled to as your widow, since she would get 100% of your benefit rather than the lower amount she would otherwise
receive on her own work record (or as your spouse). Note too that all of this is predicated upon you maintaining good health and adequate financial resources to be able to delay applying for Social Security benefits until age 70.
Dear Rusty: I am now 64 years old and started taking my Social Security at 62. I continued to work part time since I applied, until December of last year when I was disabled from a bad car accident. I haven’t been able to work since the accident, and I’m wondering if I can switch from my regular benefit to disability benefits, because I think that will be higher. Can you tell me - is it possible for me to switch to disability benefits and get a higher payment than I’m now getting because I took Social Security at 62? Signed: Worker now Disabled Dear Worker: Social Security disability insurance, or SSDI, is intended to sustain you financially if you become disabled while still working. Included in the FICA tax you contributed each payday was your insurance premium for disability coverage. If you were still working, became totally disabled and unable to continue working, and the total disability is expected to last a year or more, you can apply for disability benefits even though you are already collecting Social Security early retirement benefits. There are, however, some things you should be aware of. If you qualify, your SSDI benefit would be higher than your reduced early retirement benefit, as you believe. You would still need to meet the fairly stringent requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits (which you can find at www.ssa.gov/disability) and among those requirements is that you must have worked and paid FICA taxes for at least 5 of the last 10 years.
You can apply online at the website referenced above, by telephone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office which you can find at www.ssa.gov/locator. Be aware that it could take 3 to 6 months for a decision on your case but, if approved, benefits will be paid retroactively. If your case is not approved, you have the right to appeal, but the appeal process is significantly backlogged and could take a year or more to adjudicate. Statistically, only about 1/3rd of applications are initially approved but the success rate for appeals is considerably better. Disability benefits are based upon the benefit you’re entitled to at your full retirement age. If you are approved for and start collecting SSDI disability benefits, the amount of that benefit will be
reduced corresponding to the number of months you received retirement benefits prior to being awarded SSDI. From what you’ve told me, that reduction will be about 13.3% because you’ve collected retirement benefits for about 2 years. When you reach your full retirement age of 66, your SSDI benefit will automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the benefit amount will stay the same as your reduced SSDI amount. That will, however, be more than your current early retirement benefit which was reduced by about 25% because you applied at age 62. The switch is mostly an accounting transaction because retirement benefits are paid from a different Social Security trust fund than disability benefits. Finally, you may want to
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consult with a law firm that specializes in SSDI disability claims. An SSDI attorney should not charge a retainer or upfront fees, and Federal law limits the amount they can charge in contingency fees to 25% of any past due benefits they get for you to a maximum of $6,000. You should not have to pay anything unless you win, though some attorneys will charge a small fee for out-of-pocket expenses. As with anything you sign, be sure to review the legal agreement carefully. Dear Rusty: My husband just starting collecting Social Security at his full retirement age. If he wants a part time job how much money does he have to stay under not to mess up his SS income? Someone told us he can make as much See Q&A — Page 9
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Senior Scene
Minot Area Senior Coalition has been busy on our next “Salute to Seniors,” May 8, 2018, themed “Salute to Farmers and Rancher.” We are so excited about our entertainment for Salute to Senior 2018. We have as our headliner “Blind Joe” from the ‘Voice,’ singing all your favorite country songs. Also the Cathy Erickson Band, playing old time country music and toe-tapping polkas and waltzes. We’ll have Gerry Schlag, The Worlund Family, and
Fall 2017
tion, we have fundraisers throughout the year to assist in putting on “Salute to Seniors.” All gifts, memorials, private donations and LOIS sponsorships will be recogZAHN nized at our event. Gift level categories: Minot Area Senior “You are my sunshine” Coalition president group – $50 “Idiot on the Prairie” who “Let me call you sweetwill provide a lot of humor heart” group – $100 about farmers’ wives. “Love in the sand “ group There will be vendors, – $ 500 hot lunch from Homestead“Moments to remember” ers, and of course great door group – $1,000 prizes. As a nonprofit organizaSee you there!
Senior Scene
Fall 2017
Q&A
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as he wants because they changed the law but my sister can only make up to a certain amount so we are concerned. I am taking an early retirement, I will be 62. Do the same rules count for me as to how much money I can make after drawing SS? Signed: Collecting but Still Working Dear Collecting: Since your husband has reached his full retirement age, he is no longer subject to Social Security’s earned income limit; he can earn has much as he wants and it will not affect his Social Security benefit payments. However, it may affect how much of his total Social Security income is taxable when you file your Federal Income Tax. Assuming your income tax filing status is “Married Filing Jointly”, if your combined Adjusted Gross Income (including 50% of his annual Social Security benefit) is less than $32,000, none of his Social Security income is taxable. If, however, your AGI is between $32,000 and $44,000, 50% of his total Social Security benefit is taxable as income; and if your AGI is more than $44,000, up to 85% of his total benefit becomes taxable income. I suggest you speak with a Tax Advisor about how additional income from part time employment, when added to your other income sources (pensions, etc.), may affect the tax liability of your husband’s Social Security benefits. Now as for you taking early retirement, note first that if you start your Social Security benefits at age 62 you will only receive about 74% of what you would otherwise get at your full retirement age (FRA), and this reduction will be permanent. Also, when you file for benefits you will be “deemed” as filing for both your own benefit and any spousal benefit you may be entitled to from your hus-
an excellent question! Let’s lay out the pieces: 1) Regardless of how much these hypothetical “high earners” actually earned, they would have only paid payroll taxes up to the annual contribution limit for each year they worked. That limit $127,200 for 2017 - increases periodically if a formula used by the Social Security Administration calls for it. Once they reached the earnings contribution limit each year they would have no longer paid into Social Security for that year. 2) Let’s assume that the earnings of both were greater than the annual contribution limit for their entire careers, and that they are both eligible for the maximum monthly benefit ($2,687 for 2017) at their full retirement age. Their combined SS benefit based upon their own work records at their full retirement age (assumed as 66) would be $5,374. 3) The Family Maximum applies to survivors, spouses, and children, etc. families who receive benefits based upon a primary wage earner’s work record. Couples who collect only retirement benefits are not affected unless three or more family members receive benefits. So, in this hypothetical example of two high wage earners, the Family MaxiDear Rusty: My quesmum benefit does not apply. tion is this: If both spouses So the answer to your are high earners with signifi- question is: For these two cant Social Security contri- high-earners, applying early butions in their own right, for both of their benefits at delaying their benefits to get age 62 will cause them both a bigger Social Security to receive benefits at a peramount could mean they manently reduced rate of will exceed the maximum about 75% ($1,934) of their “family” payment. Isn’t it to full amount. If they delay their advantage for both they can both receive their spouses to take Social Secu- full benefit amount ($2,687) rity at 62 at the “reduced at their full retirement age, amount” if together they and if they choose to defer would still exceed the “fam- beyond their full retirement ily maximum”? Otherwise, age their benefits will conaren’t they leaving money on tinue to grow at about 8% the table and getting no inper year until they are age crease in payment by delay- 70, when their monthly bening collecting? Signed: efit amount would be about Inquiring Mind $3,546 each, or $7,092 comDear Inquiring: What bined. band’s work record. But if you do retire early, the rules for working while you’re collecting Social Security are different. Until you reach your full retirement age of 66 and 2 months you will be subject to an annual earned income limit, which for 2017 is $16,920 (this amount is subject to change each year). If you earn over this amount for the year, Social Security will take back $1 for every $2 you earn over the limit by withholding future benefit payments. The earnings limit and penalty for exceeding it become more generous during the year in which you reach your full retirement age: the earnings limit goes up to $44,880 (2017 amount) and the penalty is less - $1 for every $3 over the limit. And of course, like your husband, once you reach your full retirement age you can earn as much as you want without penalty, but you should always take into account the effect of working on the tax liability of your Social Security income. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t work, only that you should understand the affect working has upon your income taxes. Just like at work, you can choose to have income taxes withheld from your Social Security benefits, if appropriate.
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It’s a good time to be in North Dakota.
We are all sending our thoughts and prayers to locations in the U.S. such as Texas, Florida and Montana being affected by the wrath of Mother Nature. And we would be remiss if we were to forget our own seasonal trials and tribulations, from floods to blizzards to far-reaching drought. But it’s also important to count our blessings, to take a step back and be thankful for the things in our lives that are good – especially as we reach retirement age. A move into an assisted living community such as Somerset Court can relieve so many of the anxieties in daily life. This long, dry summer played havoc upon many a lawn in North Dakota. But senior communities such as ours make sure you can always enjoy well manicured lawns and landscaping, without having to so much as break a sweat on your own. Don’t want to go out to a hot car to head to the store? No problem, there are lots of better options. After you make the move to “Living Life to the Fullest,” have us “warm up” your car by cranking on the air conditioning and pulling it up to the front door. Or catch a ride with our friendly driver, Reg, who will be happy to ferry you to and from your scheduled appointments in the Somerset Court van. Or
DAVE CALDWELL
Director Somerset Court
don’t even bother going outside, we can send a personal shopper out to get anything you might need from Marketplace Foods, Target or many other retailers on our scheduled shopping days. Hot summer temps may still be hanging around, but soon they will give way to cooler fall conditions. And then, winter. Remember how brutal last winter was? Don’t get caught dealing with feet and feet of snow to shovel this year. Now is the time to start planning your move to assisted living, and by the time the snow flies you’ll be so settled in that pushing that hand plow will seem like a distant memory. And if some little part of you misses the snow in any way, you can go out into the courtyard and make a snow angel. Or, just look out one of our many windows and enjoy your winter for a change.
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Fall 2017
Flu vaccine an important fall ritual for seniors By MARY MUHLBRADT Trinity Health Of all the things we associate with autumn – falling leaves, cooler temperatures, the Norsk Hostfest – perhaps the event most important to the health of seniors is the arrival of new shipments of flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. But for people 65 years plus, getting a flu shot is especially important. “We’ve known for a long time that people 65 years and older are amongst those in our communities at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. That’s because our immune defenses become weaker with age,” said Terry Altringer, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator for Trinity Health. “Statistics show that seniors are extremely vulnerable and endure the greatest burden of severe flu illness – they account for 71 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and up to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations.” Studies show that, not only can the flu vaccine reduce your risk of illness it can also make your illness milder should you catch the flu. “There’s no guarantee, but it certainly reduces your chances of getting infected. It’s the single most effective thing you can do to avoid influenza. There’s no downside,” Altringer said. Another reason to get vaccinated: the flu can make longterm health problems worse, even if they are well managed. Diabetes, asthma, and chronic heart disease are among the most common long-term medical conditions that place people at higher risk of serious flu complications.
them.
The myths of flu vaccination
Now is the time Fall is the traditional season for getting a flu shot. Most shipments of the new vaccine have arrived by that time, and, optimally, it’s best to get vaccinated before the onset of influenza activity in the community. “The onset of flu season varies each year but often begins circulating in October and peaks between December and February. However, it takes a couple of weeks for the body to build up immunity, so the sooner a person gets vaccinated, the sooner they’ll protect themselves and the people they come into contact with,” Altringer said. Shipments of the vaccine are beginning to arrive in our community. Trinity Health is again among the medical providers across the nation
vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot. It’s associated with a stronger immune response following vaccination (higher antibody production). Results from a clinical trial of more than 30,000 participants showed that adults 65 years and older who received the high dose vaccine had 24 percent fewer influenza infections as compared to those who received the standard dose flu vaccine. “The higher-dose vaccine is beneficial to some,” Altringer said. “Aside from a slightly higher incidence of mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, headache and muscle aches, there’s no High-dose vaccine added risk. One of the downsides is that it’s slightly more There is a vaccine de- expensive. We use it for most signed specifically for people of our nursing home residents 65 and older. A high-dose and for higher risk seniors.”
offering the quadrivalent influenza vaccine. It protects against four viruses – two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. “Flu vaccines are often updated each season to keep up with changing viruses, and immunity wanes over a year so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against influenza,” Altringer explained. “A flu vaccine protects against the flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2017-2018 vaccine has been updated from last season’s vaccine to better match circulating viruses.”
It’s important that seniors seek medical advice quickly if they develop flu symptoms, which may include one or more of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. The CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be used as early as possible to treat flu in people who are very sick with flu or who have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications. People who are 65 years and older should also be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death. Seniors should talk to their doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for
Of course, there’s still a possibility you can get the flu even after vaccination due to factors such as the health of the individual, age, the strains that were used to create the vaccine, and those that are circulating in the community. Altringer also pointed out that it’s important for all people to avoid getting caught up in some of the myths about flu vaccination that tend to “go viral” each year. For example, the standard flu shot cannot cause the flu. “Individuals may experience side effects that mimic flu symptoms after they are vaccinated, but this is typically due to the initial immune response. It’s actually a good thing,” he said, adding, “If someone actually does develop flu-like illness around the time they were vaccinated it could be due to the fact that they were exposed to the flu before the vaccine took full effect, or they acquired a flu strain not covered by the vaccine. Most commonly, individuals will develop some other viral illness that causes symptoms similar to influenza but will blame the illness on influenza and failure of the vaccine. This is simply not true.” He emphasized if anyone has questions or concerns about the influenza vaccination, they should talk with their doctor or pharmacist. “In addition to getting a flu shot, people should practice good health habits such as getting a good night’s sleep, eating well-balanced meals, covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick,” Altringer added.
Senior Scene
Fall 2017
Woman comes to grips with early onset Alzheimer’s LITITZ, Pa. (AP) — Mary Read had been a nurse for years, using her extensive training to care for patients in nursing homes and doctors’ offices. “But all of a sudden I was forgetting stuff,” she says. “I didn’t understand what the doctor wanted me to do — and it was stuff I’d been doing and suddenly couldn’t do.” She had trouble calculating a patient’s height from inches to feet, for example, or she would forget how to spell the doctor’s name. It was stress, they thought. Maybe a virus attacking her brain. “I was fired from my job,” she says. “I knew something was wrong.” She went to her family doctor for a dementia test. At Lancaster General Health’s Memory Center, she underwent scans. “They did an MRI. They did a lot of memory testing. And that’s when I was diagnosed.” “When we make the diagnosis of dementia, we have to remember that it is a label, but it doesn’t change who a person is. They are the same person after the diagnosis as they were the day before.” Read, married and the mother of a daughter, had Alzheimer’s disease. She was 50 years old. In the seven years since then, the Lititz resident has become an advocate for those who have received that diagnosis. She has worked to create a structure and a way to support both her physical and emotional health, with the dual goals of slowing the impact of Alzheimer’s and maintaining her memories and ability to learn new skills. She serves as an Alzheimer’s Association ambassador, speaking to local groups and canvassing Congress. And she started the local Memory Cafe, a support group for people like her, diagnosed in the early stages, as a safe
place to socialize and find kindred spirits. One of Read’s goals is not only to help those who have been diagnosed — it’s also to build a pathway for friends and family. They may not know how to react or how to help their loved one; they may not realize how their lives will change as well. How both the diagnosed person and their caretakers adapt, Read says, can make an immense difference in how the journey plays out. Stigma and denial Stigma and denial are common, says Dr. Matthew Beelen, a geriatrician at Lancaster General Health. “If people have mild symptoms and are afraid of the diagnosis,” he says, “they can be very upset when we confirm a diagnosis of dementia.” Beelen, with his 14 years of providing dementia care, also has a personal interest in how people are diagnosed with memory disorders and maintain enjoyment in life afterward: Two of his grandparents died of dementia and a third is living with that diagnosis. “When we make the diagnosis of dementia, we have to remember that it is a label, but it doesn’t change who a person is,” Beelen says. “They are the same person after the diagnosis as they were the day before.” The numbers of families that will face this challenge will only increase, Beelen adds. There are a couple of reasons for that. One is that the medical community is able to diagnose more people earlier. “The general public is more aware of the diagnosis of dementia and that there are things we can do to help,” he says. “The baby boomers are now entering the age where dementia incidence is increasing. They have often experienced their parents living with dementia and often are proactive about seeking diagnosis and treatment.” And that, he says, leads to earlier diagnosis.
More physicians, too, are aware of the subtle early signs, he says, which leads them to refer patients to specialists or start the diagnostic process themselves. “Unfortunately,” Beelen says, “there are still many in the general public, and many health providers, that feel memory loss is a normal part of aging, or that there is really nothing that can be done about it. So we are still seeing people who are seeking help late in the condition, often as a crisis is developing.” Helping others Read’s diagnosis fit the definition of early-onset Alzheimer’s, sometimes also called younger-onset: under the age of 65, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. She went into a severe depression, she says now, “because I was thinking about the later stages. Then I gained so much weight, just crying and eating, that I felt worse So I just kept praying: ‘You know, if I can’t be cured of this disease, help me to help others.’ “ Through the local Alzheimer’s Association group, Read began talking to other people who were newly diagnosed. She had trouble at the time finding a support group in which she fit because they were geared to the needs of the caretakers, not persons who
Hello seniors:
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had been diagnosed. So she started Memory Cafe for people like herself, then helped Lancaster General with its support group. Many people don’t believe, aren’t aware of, or minimize the severity of dementia in younger patients she says — including some in the medical community. The more upset she would get about that, she says, “of course, the worse I would get.” Or, she says, she’ll be having difficulty out in the public — making a decision about what present to buy, for example. “I’ll say, ‘You know, you have to be a little patient with me because I have Alzheimer’s.’ (And the other person will respond,) ‘Oh yeah! So do I!’ It’s a joke to them.” So Read has rearranged her life. Marriage, she says, “involves a whole new way of communicating” with her husband, George. (Their daughter lives in Arizona.) Read’s mother, just down the road, often helps out. She got a dog, Princess, who helped her work through her post-diagnosis depression and now rarely leaves Read’s side. “She reminds me to take my meds every day. . She can tell when I’m having a bad day and tries to help me if I’m upset or agitated.”
I was reading some different articles on pet visits with the senior population. I find it very interesting how our four-legged friends influence us. They show us unconditional love; lower our blood pressure and pulse rate. If we are sad, they make us feel better. Touching a pet or having them on your lap take all your care away for a moment. Residents also feel safe around pets. The benefits to a elderly person are ten-fold versus no pet owners. Pets ease loss of a loved one and help fight off loneliness. Here at Trinity Homes we offer pet visits twice a month. Souris Valley Animal Shelter brings in cats and dogs, with the help of volunteers from the Minot Air Force Base. They visit
LOIS ZAHN
Trinity Homes
residents, talked about the different breeds, and what kind of dog they have had in their lives. When pet owners sign up their dogs for pet therapy, we see big smiles come from residents. It is also very often you will see employees bring in their pets to share with the residents, giving the dogs a chance to show off their talents. Have a Great Day, Smile Laugh & Love
Our Philosophy
“Every person should have the right to access services appropriate to their needs so they can lead an independent, meaningful, and dignified life in their own home and community for as long as possible.”
OUR PROGRAMS
Congregate Meals Prairie Rose Home Care Services Home Delivered Meals The Parker Coffee Shop Health/Foot Care
Prairie Rose Home Service
Offer Housekeeping, Laundry, Grocery Shopping, Meal Preparation & Respite on a schedule basis. PRHS is a designated ND Quality Service Provider
To receive services available from Prairie Rose Home Service: 701-839-2797
Minot Commission on Aging
21 1st Ave. SE, Minot • 852-0561
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Senior Scene
Page 12 Alamo Senior Center 528-4881 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Birthdays, monthly, last Tuesday Cards: Tuesday p.m., following lunch Senior Meals: Tuesdays, noon Foot Clinic: Odd months, Divide County Health Nurse Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 Business Meeting: 1st Monday with bingo & speaker Social Meeting: 3rd Friday of month Senior Meals: Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chair Exercise: Every Monday & Thurs, 9:30 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Check: 1st Monday, monthly Cards & Dominoes: Every Friday, 6:30 p.m. Berthold Senior Citizens 453-3680 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 3:45 p.m. Cards/Games/Lun ch: Tuesdays & Fridays
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Bone Builders Exercise: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday, even months (First District Nurses) Bottineau Senior Center 228-3339 Center is open, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Served daily at noon, Monday through Friday Sit & Be Fit Exercise: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Cards & Pool played daily Potluck Brunch: 1st & 3rd Sundays Birthday Celebrations: Every 3 months Souris Basin Transit service runs daily Monday through Friday, in
Fall 2017
Senior citizen clubs may have their schedules included in the Senior Scene. Information may be e-mailed to announce@minotdailynews.com or mailed to Minot Daily News, P.O. Box 1150, Minot, ND 58702.
town. Bus goes to days, 9:30 a.m. to 11 Minot Thursdays. a.m. Cards: Thursdays, Call 228-2061, for 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. reservations Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, odd Bowbells months, First DisSenior Citizens trict Health Nurse 337-2376 Pancake BreakBusiness Meeting: 1st Thursday, 2:30 fast: Last Saturday, monthly- January to p.m. Social Meetings: October, 8 a.m. to (Coffee) Tuesdays, 9 noon a.m. to 11 a.m.; Butte Thursdays, 2 p.m. to Senior Center 4 p.m. 626-7243 Senior Meals: Business Meeting: Every Monday, Wednesday and Fri- 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., monthly, followed day, 11:30 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd by cards & games Social Meetings: Thursday, monthly Tuesday, Cards: Monday Every cards, bingo, games evenings, 7 p.m. Bus Service to and programs are Kenmare and Minot planned is available. Carpio Senior Citizens Burlington 468-5908 Friendly Seniors Business Meeting: 838-3561 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m. meeting folp.m., Potluck Sup- lowed by potluck lunch, 6 p.m. per Social Meeting: Social Meetings: Coffee, Monday, following business Wednesday & Fri- meeting with play-
Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662 Business Meeting: 2nd Thursday, monthly at City Community Center Social Meetings: Birthday Potluck, 3rd Monday, monthly (Winternoon and Summer6 p.m.) Senior Meals: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Country Store & Cafe Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Bus Trips to many events
ing cards Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 4685908 or 240-1150 for reservations, leave message. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday morning, even months, First District Health Douglas Unit Nifty Fiftys Pool: Wednes529-4431 days, 1 p.m. Business Meeting: Whist: Thurs4th Tuesday, days, 1 p.m. monthly with potluck Crosby Foot Clinic: 4th Senior Center Monday, even 965-6964 Business Meeting: months, First Dis1st Friday, monthly, trict Health Nurse Social Events: 1:30 p.m., followed Bingo and lots of by cards & bingo Social Activities: visiting City meets reguPotluck meal & cards, 4th Friday, larly at the Center. Quilting Mission: Noon Center is open Jan. through May, every Friday for anyone is invited to cards, games, and help! speakers Senior Meals: available through the local hospital program.
Senior Scene
Fall 2017 Esmond Golden Age Club 249-3230 Business & Social Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 2 p.m. Activities: Potluck Meals, Bingo, and Readings Fessenden Senior Citizens 547-3403 Business Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly, with speakers, programs and games Social Activities: Holiday meals and potlucks Senior Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, catered by Wells & Sheridan Aging Council, (Home Delivered Meals available) Birthdays: 1st Monday, monthly Flaxton Senior Citizens 596-3850 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pincochle: Every Wednesday Annual Flu Shot Clinic: October
November through April, Saturday, noon; May through October, Friday, 6 p.m., Games & Social follows Board members meet as needed.
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Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7555 glenburnseniors @gmail.com Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 5:30 p.m.supper & 6:30 p.m. meeting Social Meetings: Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays- Call TJ’s Diner, 7845920, for reservations Foot Clinics: 2nd Monday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Brunch: 4th Tuesday, monthly, 11:30 a.m. Potluck & Fun Day: 4th Sunday, monthly, noon Pancake Breakfast/Fundraiser: 1st Sunday, monthly, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., freewill donation
Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly Social Meetings: 4th Monday, monthly Bingo Afternoon Activities: Daily cards, puzzles and coffee Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 11:30 a.m., at Memorial Diner Foot Clinic: 3rd Monday, even months, First District Health Nurse Birthdays: 3rd Tuesday, odd months, potluck meal at 4:30 p.m. Souris Basin Transit Service to Minot: Thursdays Grenora Senior Center 694-2472 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Annual Burger Fry
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and Membership Drive, October Cards: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, noon Foot Clinic: odd months, morning, Divide County Health Nurse Kenmare Senior Citizens Center 385-4551 Business Meeting: Quarterly, Jan., April, July & Oct Social Meetings: Monday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m.Games & 3 p.m.Lunch Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Birthday Potluck:
Lansford Hi Neighbors 362-7483 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, monthly, 5 p.m. dinner, Lansford Mall Social Meetings: Activities, Tours, Events as planned Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, TJ’s Diner in Lansford Mall Foot Clinic: 4th Thursday, odd months, Lansford Mall, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Educational activities, tours, and videos throughout the year. Lignite Senior Citizens Club 933-2855 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly Social Meetings: Card playing, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Meals:
Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, Noon Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly, Christ Lutheran Church Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5757 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Social Meetings: Potluck Supper, 6 p.m., prior to business meeting Frozen Senior Meals: Order the 1st week of the month, 726-5757 Max Over 55 Club 679-2265 Business Meeting: noon, 4th Friday monthly, except 6 p.m. in June and July, potlucks also. Other Friday potlucks coincide with the school year. Check the city calendar for changes. Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Business Meeting: As needed Social Meetings: As scheduled Senior Meal: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe, Newburg Mall
Senior Scene
Page 14 Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months, Community Center, First District Health Nurse Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Business Meeting: Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m. Social Meetings: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Senior Meal:
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Wednesdays, noon, home-cooked meal Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, even months Activities: Tues-
days, 3 p.m., cards, visiting, puzzles Center is available for rent. Call: Judy, 862-3852; Karen, 862-3642; Pat, 862-
a will that leaves everything I own Q. Itohave my wife upon my death. I also own an annuity policy listing my revocable trust as the beneficiary. When I pass away, does my will override the beneficiary designation of the annuity contract?
Brad Stai, CTFA
A. Generally speaking, a will controls the disposition of
probate assets, meaning real and personal property in your name alone. An annuity contract, on the other hand, is considered a non-probate asset, and would normally be disbursed in accordance with the beneficiary designation. The same is true for life insurance policies, Individual Retirement Accounts, 401(k) plans, etc. These are all considered non-probate assets that are transferred pursuant to a beneficiary designation, and would not be governed or controlled by one’s will. Naturally, should you have specific questions or concerns, you should consult your lawyer for appropriate advice.
Minot’s only Local Trust Department
2200 15th Street SW Minot, ND 58701 857-7150
3rd Wednesday, monthly, 3 p.m., followed by cards and potluck meal Senior Meals: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in Plaza Cafe; Monday and Wednesday, Breakfast, in Plaza 3642 Cafe Foot Clinic: Every Plaza other month, MounSenior Center trail County Health 497-3320 Nurse Business Meeting: Yoga/Exercise:
Fall 2017 Three times each week Computer: available for members Powers Lake Senior Citizens 464-5630 Center is open, Mon. through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Business Meeting: 3rd Saturday, monthly, 5:30 p.m., followed by potluck supper Social Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon; reservations required. Catered by “The Food Barn” Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Activities: Cards, puzzles, snooker and coffee with treats, anytime! Local papers available, books and TV Ray Senior Center 568-3946 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: 2nd Tuesday, weekly,
Senior Scene
Fall 2017 noon Special events and activities: as planned Rolla Senior Citizens 477-6421 Business Meeting: 2nd Friday, monthly, 12:45 p.m., followed by Bingo & entertainment Senior Meals: Daily, noon; home delivered and frozen meals available Foot Clinic: 3rd Thursday, monthly Exercise: Bone Builders program for seniors Transportation Van: available for rides to medical appointments, shopping and business appointments Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m., Reservations required by 1:30 p.m. day prior. Bingo: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Daily, in Rugby and Thurs-
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days, to Minot
Ryder Happy Hours Club 758-2404 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months Surrey Senior Citizens Activity Center 839-8702 surreyseniors @srt.com Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call center for meal reservations. Home deliveries are available on request. Foot Clinic is available at the center. Call LaVonne at 2402679 for an appointment. Game night is held every Thursday night starting at 7 p.m.
Snacks are provided. Game night is open to the public. Yoga class is held every Monday night beginning at 6:00 p.m.. Class is open to the public. Bingo is played every Thursday starting at 1 p.m. Birthday cake and ice cream are served at 12:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are held on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 5:00 p.m. Potluck meals are held the last Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m.. Entertainment follows.
monthly meetings Cards: Tuesday and Fridays, 1:00 p.m.
Towner Senior Citizens VIP Club 537-5155 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, noon; Saturday, Brunch at Ranch House Restaurant Foot Clinic: 2nd Tuesday, even months, First District Health Unit Coffee Ladies: Monday Morning Rolls & Coffee: 3rd Wednesday, 10 a.m. Monthly Potluck & Birthdays: Last Tioga Wednesday Senior Citizens Souris Basin Tran664-3425 Business Meeting: sit Bus Service: 2nd Monday, Thursdays to Minot monthly, 12:30 p.m.; Upham Board Meeting, 11:30 55+ Club a.m. 768-2581 Social Activity: Business Meeting: Bingo, following
Page 15 Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Business Meeting: 3rd Monday Center is open Monday through Friday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. at Westhope Public School Cafeteria. Home delivered Velva meals are available. Star City Senior Foot Clinic: 2nd Citizens Monday, monthly at 338-2628 Business Meeting: Senior Center 2nd Wednesday, Wildrose 12:00 Noon, followed Senior Citizens by birthday party, 539-2169 2:00 p.m. Business Meeting: Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Meetings: and Friday, 11:30 a.m., catered by Birthdays, 3rd TuesSouris Valley Care day, 1 p.m. Senior Meals: Center. Volunteers serve meals and Every Tuesday, Noon Transportation: package meals for Wildrose Public home delivery. Exercise room T r a n s p o r t a t i o n , available for mem- weekly trips to Crosby, Tioga, Willisbers only. Facility is available ton and Minot, Call for reservations. Van for rental. is also available for special events.
1st Monday, alternate months Social Meetings: Cards - Wednesday & Saturday, 1:00 p.m.; both followed by coffee and snacks, 3:00 p.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Thursday, odd months; First District Health Nurse
When it comes to Eyecare the Difference is Clear
In-store Lab Service Dr. Darin Johnson Owner/Optometrist
1525 31st Ave. SW, Ste E • Minot
857-6050 • 1-800-713-4337