FALL 2010
PERSPECTIVES ON SENIOR LIVING
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MONTANA STANDARD
2 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
Transitions wing opens at Marquis Vintage Suites Local assisted-living facility adapts to meet needs of patients with dementia BY PAULA J. MCGARVEY for The Montana Standard
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tatistics from the Alzheimer’s Association show that more than 21,000 Montanans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as of 2010. Even more shocking, is that upward of 29,000 people in Montana are predicted to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease by the year 2025. The rise in the incidence of this devastating disease, which robs people of both their memories and physical abilities, has made the demand for assisted living and specialized secured dementia-care units in the state far exceed the current supply. Marquis Vintage Suites in Butte was no exception. With a waiting list for the “Expressions” secured dementia-care
unit, staff at Vintage Suites facility came up with a plan to accommodate more patients with dementia, and their specific needs. The new wing is called “Transitions.” “Transitions is an extension of the Expressions Alzheimer’s dementia care unit,” said Paula Carriger, marketing director. Residents eligible for housing in the new wing have a diagnosis of dementia, with added complications limiting their physical mobility. Carriger said that most are confined to wheelchairs. “What we are doing is creating a smaller home environment for these residents with dedicated staffing,” she said. In order to accommodate the new, specialized dementia care wing, Carriger
See TRANSITIONS, Page 3
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LET US HELP CONNECT YOU TO SERVICES FOR ELDERLY IN YOUR COMMUNITY outhwest Montana Aging Services represents Senior Programs in Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell and Silver Bow Counties. We provide Information and Assistance to help elderly people and their families access services such as Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Health Screening and Promotion, Caregiver, Outreach, Transportation and Senior Center Activities. Our agency also provides assistance with Medicare, Medicaid and Health Insurance Issues, as well as Ombudsman services for residents in Assisted Living or Nursing Homes, Please call commodities for low income seniors and 782-5555 or toll free coordination of the Senior Companion Program. 1-800-551-3191 Give us a call and we will work to connect you or to schedule a loved one with services in your community. an appointment.
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PAULA J. MCGARVEY / FOR THE MONTANA STANDARD
AVA HICKMAN, a Certified Nursing Assistant at the new Transitions wing at the Marquis Vintage Suites in Butte, visits recently with a resident in the common area at the facility. The new wing opened in mid-September and is designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia who have additional physical limitations.
We provide a comfortable, caring, home-like setting, that is designed for the special needs of aging Seniors. Bring this ad in for one free day of adult day care. *limit one per day care resident.
THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 3
November events in Butte for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Transitions ... Continued from Page 2 said that Vintage Suites remodeled a resident apartment already on the wing and converted it to a common area. The area includes a TV room, kitchenette and dining area that is family friendly. The facility also hired three new certified nursing assistants to provide the residents in the wing with the extra care they need. “Transitions” began accepting people to the wing in midSeptember. Carriger said that the “Expressions” secured-care wing only has room for 17 residents. The new “Transitions” wing has additional space for six and would also allow Vintage Suites to accommodate current residents in the assisted-living portion of the facility who otherwise would be sent to nursing homes or long-term care facilities. An increased staff-to-patient ratio in the “Transitions” wing ensures that each resident achieves and maintains the maximum level of independence possible. “We’re allowing them to live (more) independently as the disease progresses. We want them to age in place,” she said. Freelance writer Paula J. McGarvey may be reached at 782-6510 or via e-mail at pauljmc@bresnan.net.
PAULA J. MCGARVEY / FOR THE MONTANA STANDARD
AN UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT watches a rerun of the TV series “Bonanza” in the common area of the Transitions wing. Residents of the wing are also transported to the activities room to participate in regularly scheduled activities at the facility.
The Belmont Senior Citizen Center’s Caregiver Support Group is collaborating with the Marquis Vintage Suites’ Memory Keepers Support Group to host a free memory screening on Monday, Nov. 8. The screening will take place at the Belmont Center, 615 E. Mercury St. and run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic will include mini-mental assessments for dementia and depression screening done by case managers from the Belmont Center, Marquis Vintage Suites and the Butte Community Health Center. The groups are also sponsoring a candle light vigil at Marquis Vintage Suites on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers include the Rev.Tom Haffey and Dr. Shawna Yates from the Butte Community Health Center. Family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will also share about the affects of the disease on caregivers. For more information, call the Belmont Center at 723-7773 or Marquis Vintage Suites at 494-0083.
Is the Best Place to Be. We offer quality In-Home Care including: • • • • •
Skilled Nursing Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Social Services
Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance may cover Licensed & Certified For more information call
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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 35 S. Main • Butte, Montana 59701 • 406-782-6708
4 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
More than skin deep: Preventing unseen signs of aging From wrinkle cream to hair dye and everything in between, some people go to great lengths to disguise the signs of aging. However, despite the wisdom that comes with getting older, we often overlook the less visible signs of age, like everyday activities becoming more difficult, which can have a more significant impact our lives than a few gray hairs. Muscle loss can occur as young as age 40, causing weakness or lack of energy that may force people to give up or cut back on activities they once enjoyed — from golfing to gardening to keeping up with their children or grandchildren. But the good news, according to muscle health experts, is that muscle loss can not only be prevented but even reversed, allowing people to stay active and vibrant. “Getting older is a fact of life, so we should take action now to protect our muscles so we can stay healthy as we age,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine for adults over age 40. “Strong muscles help people continue doing the things they love. Taking steps
today to protect and strengthen our muscles can keep us active and independent, leading to a greater quality of life down the road.” Dr. Wright offers her expert tips on how to take charge of your muscle health: ■ Get a move on: Even if you’re completely new to exercising, daily activity is important and there’s no better time to get active than right now. Start out with the basics, like taking daily walks around your neighborhood. Once that becomes a habit, switch up your routine with other light activities. Daily exercise can also reduce the risks for diabetes, breast cancer, heart conditions and even depression. ■ Take the muscle test: Test yourself and see just how strong you are. There are many simple, at-home tests you can do to measure the strength of your muscles. For instance, do as many pushups as possible until exhaustion to test your upper body strength. For average 40-somethings, men should be able to complete 21 to 28 pushups and women should complete 18 to
24 modified pushups. ■ Feed your muscles: Regular activity is only one ingredient in a recipe for better muscle health. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes protein, fiber and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. And there’s something new to help rebuild muscle strength: new Ensure (R) Muscle Health, specially
designed to help rebuild muscle and strength naturally lost over time. It has 13 grams of protein and Revigor (TM) (a source of HMB), a naturally occurring amino acid metabolite that comes from protein. Revigor can help protect muscle cells, preserve muscle tissue and promote muscle growth so you can keep doing the things you love. ■ Use it or lose it: The old adage is true. Muscles can deteriorate with time if you don’t use them regularly, leaving you feeling weak. But there is good news: Studies show that muscle atrophy from inactivity is reversible no matter your age, so the more you use your muscles, the stronger they’ll be. While the aging process can’t be stopped, muscle loss can be prevented or even reversed with exercise and proper nutrition. Everyone, from weekend walkers to after-work athletes, can take simple steps now to build and maintain strong, healthy muscles and continue doing the activities they enjoy for years to come. For more information, visit www.ensure.com. — ARAcontent
YOU ALWAYS PLANNED THE FUTURE TOGETHER.
DON’T STOP NOW.
Providing Excellent Out-Patient Services to Southwest Montana’s Seniors 434 S. Clark, Butte, MT 406.496.3550
You know each other so well you feel you’re part of each other (and you are). But, with an event as important as your funeral, it’s still an excellent idea to discuss your choices, plan ahead, and document your wishes for others. Once you prearrange, there’s never any question about what you would have wanted.... it’s understood.
723-3221 • 1800 Florence Ave • Butte
THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 5
When it comes to talking with your doctor, don’t be shy With 25 years experience in health care, as a nurse and now certified physician assistant, Patti Emfinger admits that she used to feel a little hesitant about talking with her doctor beyond exchanging pleasantries and basic information. Now an assistant professor in the College of Health Professions at South University’s Savannah, Ga., campus, Emfinger worked previously in an internal medicine/internist setting. “A lot of my patient interaction has been with people over age 65,” she says. “And they were raised to have a great deal of respect for medical professionals.” She says that people are reluctant to talk openly when they get into the doctor’s office. “They worry that questioning the physician or the physician assistant suggests a lack of confidence in the health care professional’s competence. And many people are embarrassed to talk about personal medical issues,” she says. Emfinger acknowledges that some
medical practitioners intimidate patients, usually unintentionally. “Some take the approach ‘I’m the provider, so what I say goes.’” But advances in diagnosis and treatment, along with changes in the health care delivery system, are changing the way patients and health care professionals interact one-on-one, according to Emfinger. “In health care today, there’s an expectation that patients will be involved in making decisions about their own health care. With so many options available now, we appreciate that our patients want to know the reasons behind what we’re recommending and prescribing.” So what should patients do? “First of all, you absolutely have to tell the doctor or physician assistant all your concerns. Even if you feel embarrassed to talk about certain parts of your body, go ahead and talk. After all, we’ve seen and heard it all — and we are people, too.” — ARAcontent
We are dedicated to the needs of Montana’s Senior Community. 435 S. Crystal, Suite 400 Butte, MT • 4 9 6 - 3 4 0 0 Anaconda • 563-2727 Deer Lodge • 846-9586
Patience. Care. Knowledge.
Some things have enduring value, like quality service. Convenient and easy-to-find, located near St. James Hospital. Driscoll Drug is the only local pharmacy in Butte and has served the Butte community for many generations, and many more to come!
Look for upcoming seminars on a variety of topics including pain management, diabetes and much more.
DRISCOLL D RUG 327 S. Excelsior • 723-3308 private consultation area • personalized service • medical supplies vitamins • herbs and supplements • largest selection • sundries
www.driscolldrug.com
6 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
Japanese researchers find link between diabetes, Alzheimer’s TOKYO — A team of Kyushu University researchers has discovered that people at risk of diabetes have a tendency to develop pigmented spots on the brain, which are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. The team, led by neuropathologist Prof. Toru Iwaki, found that people whose blood glucose levels tend to remain high after meals also tend to develop the lesions, which are typically found in the elderly. The finding suggests people may be able to prevent themselves from developing Alzheimer’s disease by working to prevent diabetes through exercise and careful eating habits. The team analyzed data provided by a
long-term study on residents in Hisayamamachi, Fukuoka Prefecture. It examined the relationship between diabetes risk factors and the brain lesions in 135 men and women whose average age was 79.5, who were examined in 1988 and died between 1998 and 2003. Brain lesions were found in 88 of those examined. Patients who experienced elevated blood glucose levels after meals were 1.7 times more likely to develop the spots, according to the findings. Examinees genetically predisposed to high blood sugar levels were 38 times more likely to develop the brain spotting than those not predisposed. — The Yomiuri Shimbun
Proudly Serving Butte & Southwest Montana Since 1917! Duggan Dolan Mortuary takes great pride in being a family owned & operated business that provides the very best in customer service & care during a very difficult time. NEW LOCATION
With that customer service in mind, we will be moving to a larger facility at 1805 Meadowlark Lane during the fall of 2010. This facility will provide ample parking, larger reception rooms and easier access for our customers.
Thank you, Butte, for your continued support!
Duggan Dolan MORTUARY
213 N. Montana St. • (406) 723-3239 • 'We Care'
DID YOU KNOW? Help is available this winter heating season. The low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may be able to help with your winter heating bills. LIEAP-qualified applicants receive a valuable discount on NorthWestern Energy natural gas and electric bills. You also may be eligible for our free weatherization program. Don’t delay - sign-ups begin in October. To apply for assistance this heating season, call your local Human Resource Council or NorthWestern Energy at (888) 467-2669. Qualifications apply.
THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 7
You can take charge of your cholesterol COPPER RIDGE REHAB SERVICES BY AMANDA LILLY of McClatchy-Tribune
COZY, COMFORTA
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It seems there is always at least one celebration with foods that threaten our healthy hearts and trim tummies. But with barbeques, birthday parties and more on our weekly calendars, it can be extra tough for some of us to watch our cholesterol and stick to a heart-healthy diets. Although cholesterol typically has a bad reputation for clogging arteries, it also performs important bodily functions like building cell membranes and contributing to the formation of certain hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. In other words, too much cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease, while too little can actually do the same. “Cholesterol won’t just dissolve in the blood,” explains Mateo Dayo, a cardiothoracic surgeon. That is why it is important to maintain a balance between the two types of cholesterol: HDL (the ‘good’) and LDL (the ‘bad’). LDL, a low-density lipoprotein, gives cholesterol its poor name because it accumulates on the walls of blood vessels when there is too much of it circulating in the bloodstream. HDL, on the other hand, helps prevent this by acting as a high-density
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AN D
lipoprotein that transports cholesterol, thus counteracting a build-up. With animal-products posing as the main culprits for contributing to “bad” cholesterol, that is why it is so important to be aware of how much meat, butter and cheese you eat. These foods are high in saturated fat, which increase levels of LDL. Here are some tips on how to still enjoy foods without giving up everything: ■ Reduce the amount of meat you consume per meal ■ Opt for seafood at least twice a week ■ Cook fresh vegetables, but avoid the butter and the salt ■ Eat only egg whites, instead of the entire egg ■ Increase the amount of whole grains and fiber in your diet, as these foods help reduce cholesterol levels
Although healthy cholesterol can sometimes be affected by age, family history, and gender, a few simple changes can also help lower your bad cholesterol:
Care that makes a difference.
We have created a serene and supportive environment designed to make you feel at home - for short or long-term care. Highly skilled professionals provide excellent rehabilitation care as well as ongoing skilled nursing care. From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll be embraced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We have recruited a team of therapists and nurses that are excellent. Our goal is to care for you as if you are a member of our own family. Our dedication is unwavering and unlimited. We are deeply committed to making a difference, one person at a time. Together we work to make your stay a positive, healing experience. Come and find out the difference commitment makes.
Having Surgery? Need Therapy? Call Or Stop By 3251 Nettie • 723-3225
■ Don’t smoke ■ Exercise regularly ■ Eat healthy by limiting your daily intake of fast to less than 30 percent each of your total calories each day ■ Have your cholesterol tested regularly so you can find the right treatment plan.
CONVENIENT Gus Trost, PT; Sammie McLean, Kristen Daughtery, ST; Michelle Bradley, OT; Tori Bushman, PT; Rick Jensen, PT
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3251 Nettie Street • Butte • 406-723-3225 06 6 723 3225
8 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
Boomers putting experience to good use as entrepreneurs A new career is often replacing the choice of retirement for many baby boomers, who have plenty of experience and resources to make entrepreneurship very successful. With baby boomers living healthier and longer lives, they are no longer following traditional retirement paths and instead are seeking second and third careers. There’s been a shift away from lifetime jobs with long-term employment — with a noticeable drop among people ages 35 to 64 years old during the past 50 years, according to the 2009 Sherpa Executive Coaching Study. One of the most popular endeavors for those in this age bracket is that of a professional business or life coach. Boomers are well suited to this professional calling based on their vast business and life experience. Coaching is the practice of focusing existing talents and channeling them to create true significance and empowerment to change in the lives of others. Even before the entrepreneurial boomers took to the profession, the coaching industry has seen tremendous growth, with revenues topping $1 billion in 2008. The International Coach Federation, because of the demand for coaches, has seen an explosion in its membership since its creation in 1995. Between 25 to 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies use executive coaches, as reported in a recent survey by The Hay Group, an International Human Resources consultancy. “Baby boomers comprise the largest segment of our student and graduate base,” comments D. Luke Lorio, president of iPEC’s coach training division. “The baby boom generation brings with it the experience, skills, contacts, drive and other resources to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities such as coaching. They reached a point in their careers where they want to capitalize on their experience and often give back to others. Coaching has provided them an outlet to help others while also earning substantial incomes.” On average, experienced life coaches are earning an average of $77,000 per year, and experienced corporate/business coaches are earning an average of $134,800 per year, according to the study. Jim Kelly, president of Real Leaders Lead Executive Coaching RealLeadersLead.com), is a baby boomer (R success story. The 63-year-old certified
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professional coach was attracted to coaching because it was a career that was truly aligned with his values of giving back and empowering others to live their dreams. “My 35 years of real world leadership and life experience, including a tenure as CEO of a multi-million dollar company, is the ideal foundation for a coaching business. I went through the ups and downs of every career and the struggles of building successful businesses. It is that experience that allows me to help leaders navigate similar experiences much more quickly than if they go it alone,” says Kelly. “My coaching business is strong because clients are investing in the one thing they know will produce a return: themselves.” Here are six ways to know if a career in coaching is for you: ■ People usually come to you for advice and you have a positive impact on them. ■ You value personal growth and seek a career that will utilize your strengths. ■ You see great potential in people and are frustrated when they don’t exercise that potential. ■ You emphasize strong relationships and a balanced life with many interests, including vitality in health and career. ■ You’re not afraid of hard work to create more personal and financial freedom. ■ You know you have a gift — and you want to share it to help yourself and others live a more powerful and fulfilling life. To find out more about careers in coaching, go to www.iPECcoaching.com. — ARAcontent
Rated by the experts who monitor the care and services provided to our seniors, as Butte's only Five Star rated long-term care and rehabilitation center. When the quality of care matters, select the best. Excellent State Survey History Montana Nursing Home Compare
www.Medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 406-723-6556
Butte Care and Rehabilitation Center 2400 Continental Drive • Butte, MT 59701 www.sunbridgehealthcare.com