New Horizons May 2020

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Celebrating 45 Years

May 2020

ENOA 4780 South 131st Street Omaha, NE 68137-1822

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389

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New Horizons A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Offce on Aging

VOL. 45 • NO. 5

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

old • er 74 adul ts since 19

Leticia Cendejas-Rojas (left) – a driver with ENOA’s Meals on Wheels program – with meals’ recipient Beverly Malcom.

The Older Americans Act provides less than half the dollars ENOA needs to operate this vital service.

The rest come from state and local sources, block grants, and private donations.

On May 20, you’re encouraged to donate to Meals on Wheels through Omaha Gives!

See page 6.

Strong Foundation Cindy Petrich is the president of the New Cassel Foundation.

Petrich is also a U.S. Army veteran.

Nick Schinker’s profile of Cindy begins on page 7.

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Coronavirus The Douglas County Health Department’s COVID-19 information telephone line can help answer your questions in Spanish and English weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The number is 402-444-3400.

See page 8.

Legal Aid of Nebraska offering Elder Access Line on weekdays

Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Club gains new members

Legal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone access line for Nebraskans age 60 and older.

Information is offered to help the state’s older men and women with questions on topics like bankruptcy, homestead exemptions, collections, powers of attorney, Medicare, Medicaid, grandparent rights, and Section 8 housing.

The telephone number for the Elder Access Line is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 statewide.

This service is available to Nebraskans age 60 and older regardless of income, race, or ethnicity.

Its hours of operation are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Friday.

For more information, log on the Internet to legalaidofnebraska.com/EAL.

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New Horizons

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May 2020

Ombudsman Advocates needed

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he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is looking for men and women age 21 and older to join its Long-term Care Ombudsman Program which is co-sponsored by the Nebraska State Ombudsman Program.

ENOA’s Long-term Care Ombudsmen volunteer in local longterm care facilities and assisted living communities to protect the residents’ rights, well-being, and quality of life.

Long-term Care Ombudsmen must complete 20 hours of initial classroom training and 12 hours of additional training every two years.

During the training, the volunteers learn about the residents’ rights, aging issues, Medicare, Medicaid, communication skills, how to investigate the residents’ complaints, the importance of confidentiality, and about the federal and state rules, regulations, and laws regarding Nebraska’s long-term care facilities and assisted living communities.

Before being assigned to a long-term care facility or an assisted living community, new volunteers will make four visits to a site with an experienced Ombudsman Advocate to learn more about what the program entails. After a three-month probationary period, the new volunteers are certified as Ombudsman Advocates.

Certified Ombudsman Advocates will be assigned to a long-term care facility or an assisted living community where they’ll visit for two hours a week to meet with administrators, residents, and the residents’ family members to address concerns.

For more information about ENOA’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, please call Beth Nodes at 402-444-6536.

NARFE

he National Active and Retired Federal Employees’ Aksarben Chapter 1370 is scheduled to meet the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz. For more information, please call 402-206-7786.

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Return homestead exemption applications by June 30

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pplicants whose names are on file in the assessor’s office in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties should have had a homestead exemption form mailed to them by early March. New applicants must contact their county assessor’s office to receive the application.

The 2020 forms and a household income statement must be completed and returned to the county assessor’s office by June 30, 2020.

A homestead exemption provides property tax relief by exempting all or part of the homestead’s valuation from taxation.

The state of Nebraska reimburses the counties and other government subdivisions for the lost tax revenues.

To qualify for a homestead exemption, a Nebraska homeowner must be age 65 by Jan. 1, 2020, the home’s owner/occupant through Aug. 15, 2020, and fall within the income guidelines shown below.

Certain homeowners who have a disability, are developmentally disabled, are totally disabled war veterans, or the widow(er) of a totally disabled war veteran – including those who have remarried after age 57 – may also be eligible for this

annual tax break.

When determining household income, applicants must include Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits plus any income for which they receive a Form 1099.

The homestead exemption amount is based on the homeowner’s marital status and income level (see below). Maximum exemptions are based on the average assessed value for residential property in each Nebraska county.

Here are the numbers for the local assessor’s offices: Douglas: 402-4447060, options #2; Sarpy: 402-593-2122; Dodge: 402-727-3911; Cass: 402-2969310; and Washington: 402-426-6800.

Household income table Over age 65 married income

Over age 65 single income

Exemption %

0 - $34,500.99 $34,501 - $36,400.99 $36,401 - $38,300.99 $38,301 - $40,100.99 $40,101 - $42,000.99 $42,001 - $43,900.99 $43,901 - $45,700.99 $45,701 - $47,600.99 $47,601 - $49,400.99 $49,401 - $51,300.99 $51,301 and over

0 to $29,400.99 $29,401 - $30,900.99 $30,901 - $32,500.99 $32,501 - $34,000.99 $34,001 - $35,500.99 $35,501 - $37,100.99 $37,101 - $38,600.99 $38,601 - $40,100.99 $40,101 - $41,700.99 $41,701 - $43,200.99 $43,201 and over

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

New Horizons New Horizons is the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over age 60 in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, and Cass counties. Those living outside the 5-county region may subscribe for $5 annually.

Address all correspondence to: Jeff Reinhardt, Editor, 4780 S. 131st Street, Omaha, NE 68137-1822.

Phone 402-444-6654. FAX 402-444-3076.

E-mail: jeff.reinhardt@nebraska.gov Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. However, complaints about advertisers will be reviewed and, if warranted, their advertising discontinued. Display and insert advertising rates available on request. Open rates are commissionable, with discounts for extended runs. Circulation is 20,000 through direct mail and freehand distribution.

Editor....................................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers......Nick Schinker & Leo Biga ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Janet McCartney, Cass County, vice-chairperson; Lisa Kramer, Washington County, secretary; David Saalfeld, Dodge County, & Angi Burmeister, Sarpy County.

The New Horizons and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provide services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, or age.

May 2020

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New Horizons

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Protecting yourself against the sun

By Melinda Myers

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a busy time for gardening and other outdoor activities. Gardening provides many benefits but like any outdoor activity it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.

More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and most are associated with exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Even though it’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S. it’s also one of the most preventable. Help reduce this percentage and keep yourself and others safe with a bit of skin cancer prevention.

Apply a sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and a minimum SPF of 30 over your entire body at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. This includes cloudy days when we often forego this precaution.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Pay close attention and make a generous application to the lips, the tips of ears, and the backs of your neck and hands.

Keep a bottle of sunscreen in your garden tool kit amd apply it throughout the day.

Avoid gardening and outdoor activities when the sun is most intense. This is usu-

ally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Find those shady spots in the landscape to weed or relax during that time.

Cover up for greater protection. Wear a broad brimmed hat to protect your ears, scalp, neck, and face from the sun. Don clothing of tightly woven fabric that helps block harmful UV rays. Talk to your dermatologist about the benefits of investing in photoprotective clothing.

Be sure to include gloves when purchasing sun protective clothing. Look for knit gloves like Foxgloves (foxglovesinc.com) that provide 50+ UPF, Ultraviolet Protection Factor. These gloves are made of lightweight, breathable fabric and come in a variety of colors, including skin tone, making them easy to wear when working, driving, or participating in any outdoor activity.

Wear sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat to protect your eyes when gardening, relaxing, or recreating outdoors.

Check your skin regularly for any suspicious moles, spots, growths, and changes, and visit your dermatologist annually.

A bit of prevention can reduce your risk of becoming that one individual in five that develops skin cancer by age 70.

(Meyers has written several gardening books.)

Available at 1-844-268-5627

Legal Aid of Nebraska is offering assistance through its COVID-19 Disaster Relief Hotline

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ebraskans who have questions or who are experiencing legal problems due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 public health emergency can get legal advice and help through the free COVID-19 Disaster Relief Hotline.

Hosted by Legal Aid of Nebraska, working closely with the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), this hotline aims to make key legal assistance easy and accessible.

If you’re a Nebraskan facing legal issues related to the virus, or the owner of a small, locally owned business (less than 50 employees and not a franchise) that’s closed, in risk of permanent closure due to the virus, and where the payment of fees would significantly deplete your resources, the hotline may be reached at 1-844-2685627.

Callers will be connected to the hotline’s voicemail.

Callers should leave their name, phone number, brief details of the problem and the assistance needed, and in what county they’re located.

Hotline callers will receive a call back from an experienced Legal Aid staff member. Individuals and businesses that don’t qualify for Legal Aid’s free services

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will be directly referred to the VLP. The VLP will work to place cases with Nebraska volunteer lawyers who will provide free legal assistance.

The types of legal issues associated with COVID-19 and focused on by the hotline include: • Tenants with rent issues, including those facing eviction.

• Debt problems, including debtors with garnishments or ordered to appear at a debtor’s exam.

• Mortgage foreclosures, including advising on options for delinquent payments.

• Unemployment insurance denials.

• Employee rights, including sick leave and wage payments.

• Government benefits available to low-income persons such as ADC, SNAP, AABD, and SSI. • Medicaid and medical insurance claims.

• Drafting wills, health care power of attorney, and transfer on death deeds.

• Domestic abuse and safety issues.

• Elder abuse and exploitation.

• Access to education.

• Helping small, locally owned businesses with business and employment related matters, including human relations issues, unemployment benefits, and contracts.

More information on these legal issues, including ways you can directly help yourself, are available at legalaidofnebraska.org.

Metro Women’s Club of Omaha

T

he Metro Women’s Club of Omaha whose motto is “Extending the Hand of Friendship,” holds a monthly luncheon on the second Tuesday of each month.

The organization also offers a variety of other activities including Bunco, Bridge, and Gadabouts.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, all Metro Women’s Club of Omaha events are on hold until further notice.

For more information, please go online to metrowomensclub.org.

New Horizons

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May 2020

Look for post-traumatic growth

Ideas, suggestions for surviving social isolation

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efore the word “coronavirus” crossed the tips of our tongues, we were living in an age of dangerous social isolation. Loneliness can compromise the immune system, lead to inflammation associated with heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and more.

Too much isolation makes people far less likely to flourish. More than one-third of Americans age 45 and older said they are lonely, according to a national survey by the AARP. “Lonely adults are less likely to be involved in activities that build a social network such as going to religious services, volunteering, joining a community group, or spending time on a hobby,” said Judy Holland, author of HappiNest: Finding Fulfillment When Your Kids Leave Home.

“They are more likely to spend their time sleeping, eating, watching television, and sitting in front of a computer screen. And they are more inclined to use drugs and alcohol,” she added.

Families with older or sick members are dealing with even stricter isolation in an attempt to prevent COVID-19 in this vulnerable population. Now that we’ve been catapulted into the most widespread pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918, with social distancing widely adopted nationwide and throngs ordered to self-quarantine, we need to find safe new ways to bust isolation and bolster resilience, Holland said.

As the coronavirus spreads, people are facing sadness, frustration, and anger at officials they feel may have mismanaged the outbreak.

Holland offered some tips to deal with the pandemic: • When anxiety shows up exercise, relax, get enough sleep, go outside, catch sunshine, and find gratitude.

• In times of anxiety, we resort to maladaptive strategies.

To avoid anxious thoughts, we binge watch Netflix, drink too much alcohol, play hours of video games, and overeat.

Those strategies are only temporary escapes.

In these uncertain times of coronavirus, some people obsessively check the news every 10 minutes. They’re seeking answers to try to escape their negative feelings.

Be mindful: “What you resist, persists.”

Think of anxiety as a little tiger. When we feed the tiger, he goes away and for a while we’re good. But then he comes back bigger. Watch for an over reliance of avoidance strategies. If you feel sweaty, your heart rate rises, your thoughts race, and your stomach tightens. Do your best to ride the wave. These feelings will show up in fearful times.

Accept them.

Connect to sources of meaning. Focus on behaviors that align with your values and where you find meaning. What makes you get up in the morning?

Try to view this crisis as an opportunity. It’s a break from your busy life, which provides an opportunity for psychological growth. When we become quieter and slow down a bit, there’s a chance to reflect back on your life, as well as revaluating your priorities and what makes you tick.

If you have grandkids, remember their generation is far more adept at using technology for socializing. They’ll stay in touch with each other, which is a highly protective factor.

Savor quiet family time. Reminisce. Watch movies together. Humans are very resilient and adaptable.

Create structure working from home. Wake up at about the same time, take a shower, and get dressed. Avoid interruptions. Shut off the Internet if you don’t need it. Put your phone on airplane mode. At least, bunch up your notifications to come every hour or half hour so you can focus.

This is a really stressful and transformational time with lots of sacrifices to be made. But there’s a chance we’ll emerge more resilient and with an increased sense of what really matters in the world.

Many people who endure difficult situations come out with post-traumatic growth. They have a sense of living more fully and appreciating life more. Reframe how you look at this. Don’t just survive it. Aim to thrive. Be grateful.

‘Conscious Aging’ columnist shares her thoughts on adjusting to the pandemic

By Nancy Hemesath

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emember when we used to visit the homes of friends and neighbors, give and receive hugs and handshakes, attend church, go to the movies or shop? Seems like a long time ago. While I miss these ordinary activities, I’m finding this stay-at-home lifestyle isn’t without merit. It’s a time for learning more about myself and those around me. It’s a time for reflection.

As an older adult, I experience this pandemic from a perspective which is quite different from my nieces and nephews with children, different from the unemployed who are worrying about bills, and different from healthcare workers who are in the fray. I think of all these people and the victims of the virus and pray for them daily. By speaking about the blessings I’m experiencing at this time, I don’t intend to minimize the pain of so many others.

Because I don’t want to waste the opportunity to grow through this extraordinary experience, I ask myself, “What am I learning?” The first thing that comes to mind is that I like the quiet. Even though I don’t have a full-time job, until now my days were full of commitments. I found it necessary to carve out time each day for quiet amidst the activities.

During this time, quiet is the norm of my days and I schedule time to do activities. As a result, I hurry less and am more mindful of little things. I even wonder what was so important when I rushed around doing this and that. I like not rushing.

Because I’m more relaxed, I have energy to do mundane tasks with more focus. I plan meals in advance rather than throw something together in 15 minutes—my previous norm. I look up recipes and cook meals that will taste good and I don’t mind spending time doing it. Because of the focus on quality versus quantity, I’m pleased to say I’m not gaining weight. By paying more attention, I’m able to make better choices leading to happier outcomes.

I also find time now to exercise regularly because there are no excuses to skip working out. I especially like the warm days when I can take a long walk, observing the signs of spring.

Otherwise the exercise bike is just fine.

I’m also learning the lack of consumerism doesn’t diminish my quality of life.

It’s amazing how few things – beyond food – I need.

When I’m not out looking, I’m no longer tempted to buy things I “want”. Those extras are out of sight and out of mind. My happiness quotient doesn’t go down when I don’t shop. My bank account holds up better too; an added bonus.

Because of my technological limitations, I’ve had a long love/hate relationship with computers. However, now I have much more appreciation for the digital world that allows me to connect with my friends, my Wisdom Circle, my faith community, my book club, and my family.

ZOOM is an app that allows me to meet with these groups and have meaning-

ful conversations. Emails and texts are critical to staying connected with those I cannot visit in person. Oh yes, I also use the telephone. Interestingly, I’m more in touch with old friends and distant relatives than I was before the pandemic because of my available time and energy.

Expressions of love, while they are always important, have come into clearer focus during this time. We’re on the receiving end of so many acts of kindness. Younger friends and a niece make sure we have food and other necessities.

Others simply check on us. “Yes, we are doing fine,” I’m happy to report.

Looking for ways to serve others is also a necessary part of our lives. My friends and I are into mask making. Some provide materials, some cut, some pin, and some sew. Once we fulfill orders for neighbors, family, and friends, the rest are going to food banks and other organizations. This is a loving task that gives purpose to our days.

Of course, the other loving thing to do is to stay home and keep our social distance. I’m reminded of the poet’s famous line. “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

On another note, I’m planning to start a book study via ZOOM on Conscious Living, Conscious Aging in the near future. If you’re interested, please email me at nhemesath@cox.net. It may be a useful way to spend this stay-at-home time.

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May 2020

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Meals on Wheels driver Jane Werimont delivers a hot, nutritious meal to Richard Hopp.

Donate to ENOA’s Meals on Wheels program on Wednesday, May 20 through Omaha Gives!

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has been providing programs and services for older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties since 1974.

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ach year, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging delivers more than 200,000 hot, nutritious meals to homebound older adults through its Meals on Wheels Program.

These weekday meals are an important part of ENOA’s efforts to help vulnerable older men and women remain living independently and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. According to Meals on Wheels America, nine out of 10 recipients say receiving home-delivered meals has improved their health and helped them maintain their independence.

FREE & EASY “New Home” Living Specialized Design:

In addition to delivering hot, nutritious food, the drivers also provide a set of eyes and to check on the meals recipients’ well-being each weekday.

ENOA’s Meals on Wheels program can serve an older adult for an entire year for about the same cost as one day in a hospital or 10 days in a nursing home.

Funding to support this vital program, however, remains stagnant while the operating expenses continue to rise. For more than 50 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has been the primary source of federal financial support for the program. For ENOA’s Meals on Wheels program, the OAA dollars support only 43% of the operating expenses. The remaining 57% has to be secured through state and local sources, federal block grants, and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals.

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May 2020

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n Wednesday, May 20 you’ll have an opportunity to donate to ENOA’s Meals on Wheels through Omaha Gives! Organized by the Omaha Community Foundation, the eighth annual program is designed to highlight the area’s spirit of giving.

Donations can be made in advance May 1 to 19 by going online to OmahaGives.org. On May 20, online donations can be made midnight to midnight at OmahaGives.org.

Please help us continue meeting the needs of older adults in the Omaha area by donating to ENOA’s Meals on Wheels Program on May 20 through Omaha Gives!

Your donation will help ENOA deliver meals, smiles, and safety checks to hundreds of older Nebraskans.

Petrich raising funds, enriching lives as New Cassel Foundation’s president

By Nick Schinker Contributing Writer

A

t Omaha’s New Cassel Retirement Center, as the coronavirus pandemic has suspended normal access to families and the outside world, the objective for the administrators, caregivers, and support staff isn’t keeping the facility’s 185 residents entertained.

The primary goal is keeping them alive.

Helping in that mission is Cindy Petrich, who since 2013 has served as president of the New Cassel Foundation. She’s a good person to have in this role, because it isn’t the first time her work has ensured the safety of others.

She had a similar mission in 1990, when Cindy served as a U.S. Army second lieutenant with the 937th Engineering Group in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Her duties as an intelligence (S-2) officer included supplying maps to the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne and briefing the engineering group during their mission to clear minefields in preparation for aircraft to land.

“We were the farthest females up front,” Petrich recalls.

Today as it was then, her efforts will help save lives.

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he daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t so routine anymore for New Cassel’s residents. Meals are brought to apartment doors, and exercise sessions are available on closed-circuit television in the residents’ rooms. Mass, too, is broadcast on the television, although residents can still visit the center’s beautiful chapel – as long as they stay six feet apart.

Families visit via online video chat services such as Skype and Zoom. They can also visit in person if they stay outside the building and wave or hold signs up to the residents’ windows.

Activities have taken on innovative twists like Hallway Bingo and Flamingo Happy Hour, followed by photos posted on Facebook for family and friends to see.

“We’ve also had families draw with chalk on the sidewalk around the building, so when the residents go for walks, they can see the positive messages and artwork,” Petrich says.

For Lent, students and teachers at St. Gerald’s School in Ralston portrayed the Stations of the Cross in costume and recorded it with a voiceover. That, too, was broadcast on TV for the residents to enjoy.

Closer to Easter, a very large bunny made a visit – after having its temperature taken, of course.

Petrich says she and other essential New Cassel staff members who come and go each day have their temperature taken and practice strict sanitation. “Any elevated temperature, that person is sent home to self-quarantine,” she says. “Any

A Creighton University grad, Petrich became president of the New Cassel Foundation in 2013. staff member who had traveled prior to when this all started was self-quarantined for 14 days. We are taking every precaution possible.”

Residents have proved to be very resilient. Anxiety has been kept to a minimum, Petrich says, and staff members from New Cassel’s pastoral care team and its life enrichment team are available to counsel or just sit and talk.

“Most of our residents have been through tough times before,”

Cindy says. “So many are veterans or spouses of veterans, they know what it’s like to be afraid, and how to get past those fears.”

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he daughter of George and Elle Frady, Petrich grew up in Omaha and is a graduate of St. Gerald’s School and Ralston High. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Creighton University and, like her two brothers, felt “drawn to serve our country” and

March 2020

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entered the military.

Cindy met the love of her life, a fellow Army officer named Gary Petrich. After 18 months of wedding planning, the final details were completed from a tent 7,000 miles away from Omaha. They married two months after she returned from serving in Operation Desert Storm.

The couple have two sons, Derek and Craig.

While her husband was assigned --Please turn to page 12.

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Look out for COVID-19 scams Call 402-444-3400

By Ginny Czechut, MSPR Douglas County Health Department’s hotline Lots of people are suffering financially during the Coro- available to answer coronavirus questions navirus pandemic. The Federal Trade Commission reports Americans have lost more than $13 million to scammers, and that total will only go up. How do you keep yourself safe? Look out for these seven COVID-19 scams.

• Stimulus check scams. The government has sent out stimulus checks to millions of Americans, and scammers have taken note. They may call you, pretending to be from the government or your bank, asking you to confirm your bank account information. Don’t fall for it. If you direct deposited your tax return refund in 2018 or 2019, the government has your bank account information. If they don’t have your account information, they’ll mail you a check.

• Product and treatment scams. Scammers may set up a fake website selling hard to find supplies such as toilet paper or hand sanitizer. Some claim to have access to COVID-19 treatments or tests. Only make purchases from familiar websites or reputable firms.

• A sick family member. There’s a new take on the thief pretending to be a family member who calls and says: “I’m in jail and I need money to get out.” The new spin is: “I’m in the hospital with Coronavirus and I need money for treatment.” Hang up and call them back on the number you have for them to confirm the information. Or, ask a personal question, and if they can’t answer it, hang up. Never give out bank account information over the phone.

• Charity scams. Lots of non-profits are asking for help right now. If you’re going to donate, be sure it’s to a legitimate charity. Donate to a local disaster relief agency, hospital, nursing home, or food pantry.

• Fake websites that say they have “exclusive” information. Scammers may glean information from reputable sources and then call it info only they have. They’ll ask you to click on a link, which then downloads malicious software onto your computer that steals your personal information or hijacks your computer and won’t give you access to your computer until you pay a ransom.

• Debt reduction scams. Scammers know some people are really struggling financially during the pandemic. They may call, offering debt reduction services, and then take your money without helping. Check with the BBB about the legitimacy of anyone offering you help.

• Work-from-home scams. During a crisis, scammers know people are doing whatever they can to make ends meet and may offer you a way to make money. They may insist you pay them first for training or may ask for your bank account information. Always stop and think before handing out any personal or financial information.

Scammers are very good at fooling you, so don’t let them. With a little research, you can stay ahead of the scammers and keep yourself and your finances safe.

(Czechut is with Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. in Omaha.)

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The Douglas County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want Nebraskans to be educated about the ever changing course of the coronavirus outbreak.

Families need to manage the COVID-19 just as they do flu outbreaks, tornadoes, and floods. That means everyone should have at least a two-week supply of food, bottled water, and medicine on hand.

The DCHD has been in emergency planning mode for weeks, setting up a structure to address its role. Working with colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, the DCHD has: • Created a COVID-19 information line at 402-4443400. The information line will be open seven days a week (until further notice) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Callers will be able to have their questions answered in Spanish and English.

• Monitored travelers who have returned to the area from China.

• Communicated with local physicians on awareness and treatment options.

• Reviewed pandemic plans from previous outbreaks.

• Reached out to schools and businesses to provide assistance with planning.

“Our website and social media platforms will continue to provide the best and most current information,” said Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour.

COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They may appear as soon as two days or as long as 14 days following exposure.

Illnesses have ranged from mild to no symptoms to others experiencing severe illness. A small percentage of those who become ill have died.

Dr. Pour said the best advice to avoid the COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene like you would with the seasonal flu. Good hygiene includes: • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is a second option.

• Don’t touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, especially with unwashed hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home while you’re sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands.

• Frequently clean and disinfect your home, car, and workplace A COVID-19 vaccine isn’t available yet. Most people have recovered by drinking lots of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medication. If symptoms worsen, medical care might be needed.

Dr. Pour said the DCHD is partnering with the Three Rivers Health Department and the Sarpy/Cass Health Department.

“Our top priority is to protect and promote the health of our communities, and local public health is coming together to do that,” said Terra Uhing, executive director of the Three Rivers Health Department in Fremont.

“The coronavirus information line is another good example of how local public health departments work together to ensure the needs of all our residents are met,” said Sarah Schram, director of the Sarpy/Cass Health Department.

211 telephone network

UNO study

T

he 211 telephone network has been established in parts of Nebraska to give consumers a single source for information about community and human ser-

vices.

By dialing 211, consumers can access information about: • Human needs resources like food banks, shelters, rent and utility assistance, etc.

• Physical and mental health resources.

• Support for older Americans and persons with a disability.

• Support for children and families.

• Volunteer opportunities and donations.

The 211 network is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The information is also available online at ne211.org.

49th & Q Street • 402-731-2118 www.southviewheightsomaha.com

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New Horizons

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May 2020

Dr. Beth Lyon from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Psychology Department is working on a research study to learn about people’s reliance on memory aids and opinions of people that use them.

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and asks for views, opinions, and information about the usage of various tools often used to help remember task completion.

For information, contact Dr. Lyon @ 402-554-2580.

Some facts about falling

By Lola Butler, LPN

F

or older adults, falls are a serious health issue. While falls in the general adult population are often due to work or leisure activities, older adults are at greater risk of falling in their daily living activities.

Here are some facts to think about that were published on the Aging.com/falls-factsheet: • Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.

• According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans over age 65 falls each year.

• In 2014, older Americans experienced 29 million falls, resulting in 7 million injuries.

• Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.

While these statistics raise awareness about the seriousness of falls, there are common reasons why falls happen.

Medications, vision impairments, and general weakness combined with environmental factors put older adults in danger of seriously injuring themselves from a fall.

Here are some tips to help older adults avoid falls: • Practice balance exercises: Exercise programs should include balance activities to be effective in reducing fall risk. Check with your physician before trying this routine.

Try standing on one foot for 10 seconds at a time (with your hand near a table or a wall for support, if needed).

Side-step to the left and then to the right 10 times on each side; then step forward and backward for 10 repetitions.

It’s also important to watch how fast you get up from a chair or out of bed because blood sugar could be low and needs time to adjust to being upright.

• Check medications: Side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness. Have your doctor or a pharmacist review all your medications. Take notes on which meds may contribute to negative side effects.

• Beware of obstacles in the home: It’s easy to take our living environment for granted. Often, older adults don’t think too much about everyday items potentially contributing to a fall. Electrical cords and general clutter add to the risk of falls. It’s a good idea to ask a family member or friend to scan your living environment for things which could cause a fall.

• Pump the gas: If you get up during the night to use the bathroom, sit for a moment or two and pump the gas. Point and flex your feet a few times to get the blood flowing.

• Wear shoes and pick up your feet: It’s important to wear well-fitting shoes both inside and outside the home.

Shoes that support your feet and have low, flat, wide heels with a back and non-slip soles are safest. Do your best to pick up your feet each time you take a step. Shuffling can lead to a fall because your feet could get caught on the carpet or an unseen obstacle.

(Butler is a nurse with Prime Home Care LLC/Compassionate Care Hospice.)

Assistance with the 2020 Census

A

mericans should have received census forms by email or through the United State Postal Service in midMarch. Since this year’s census will be the first to be completed largely online, some people are concerned older adults may face challenges in participating.

Thankfully, there are multiple ways to complete the 2020 Census including online, on paper, by phone, and in different languages.

People can choose the method they are most comfortable with.

Support is available at DisabilityCounts2020.org.

Older men and women should be encouraged to fill out the census form and send it back as soon as they

receive it, even though the “official” census date was April 1.

The information people share with the Census Bureau is confidential and protected by law. Only statistics are reported.

If a resident isn’t counted, their needs may not be met.

Critical funding for public libraries, early childhood education, school lunch programs, health services, affordable housing, and special education depend on an accurate census count.

The same is true for programs older adults rely on like Medicaid and Meals on Wheels.

For information, go to DisabilityCounts2020.org or call Justice in Aging at 202289-6976.

AARP The AARP Nebraska Information Center, located inside the Center Mall, remains closed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. AARP realizes it has a workforce of older volunteers, so its national and state offices were closed in mid-March.

This means the Thursday, May 14 program at the Nebraska Information Center has been cancelled.

AARP’s document shredding event, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, will also be cancelled. This event may be held later in the year.

AARP is doing all it can to flatten the curve of the pandemic by having its members stay home as much as possible and following social distancing guidelines.

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• No claim forms to fill out and no annual fee to pay.

For more information call 1-877-321-2652 or visit

nacorx.org

This plan is not insurance.

Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies.

May 2020

•

New Horizons

•

Page 9

Free behavioral health resources The COVID-19 pandemic has a lot of people on edge.

It’s an uncertain time causing stress, anxiety, and fear.

People are worried about contracting the virus, protecting vulnerable populations, financial setbacks, schoolwork at home for students, etc. Fortunately, there are organizations ready to assist Nebraskans.

“There are resources out there for you, so please do not hesitate to use them,” said Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson. “We do not want people to panic. We want people to take this seriously and take care of their whole selves.”

Here are three free behavioral health resources available for the public: • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress: Talk with a counselor, a doctor, or a clergy member anytime. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Interpreters are available as well.

The number is 1-800-985-5990.

For more information, log on the Internet to samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

• The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors. This is a great resource for parents, caregivers, and families.

The number is 1-800-448-3000.

The email for the speech and hearing impaired is hotline@boystown.org.

For more information, log online to boystown.org/hotline/pages/default.aspx.

• The Nebraska Family Helpline is a great resource for families concerned about a youth experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-866-8660.

Alzheimer’s support groups The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter offers several caregiver support groups and specialty support groups in Cass, Douglas, Washington, Dodge, and Sarpy counties. These support groups offer valuable space and educational opportunities for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia to engage and learn. For more information about any of the groups listed below, please call 800-272-3900.

DODGE COUNTY • FREMONT Second Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.

The Heritage at Shalimar Gardens 749 E. 29th St. DOUGLAS COUNTY • OMAHA Second Thursday @ 10 a.m.

Second Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.

Country House Residences 5030 S. 155th St. Call Christina @ 402-980-4995 for free adult day services.

Every other Monday @ 7 p.m.

Brighton Gardens 9220 Western Ave. First & third Monday @ 1:30 p.m.

New Cassel’s Franciscan Centre 900 N. 90th St. Call Melanie @ 402-393-2113 for free adult day services.

Third Tuesday @ 5 p.m.

Immanuel Fontenelle First floor classroom 6809 N 68th Plz. Second Tuesday @ 6:45 p.m.

For caregivers of individuals with an intellectual disabilty/dementia.

Barbara Weitz Center 6001 Dodge St. (UNO campus) Third Monday @ 9 a.m.

Intercultural Senior Center 5545 Center St. Offered in English and Spanish

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First Thursday @ 6:45 p.m.

King of Kings Lutheran Church CORE Conference Room 11615 I St. Call Karen @ 402-504-9088 to arrange for adult day services.

Third Tuesday @ 6 p.m.

Temple Israel 13111 Sterling Ridge Dr.

Choosing the right hospital bed

Men and women age 55 and older who want to earn a tax-free stipend while making an impact in their community are encouraged to join the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program.

Sponsored locally by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, the SCP and FGP are national programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Senior Service Corps.

Senior Companions help other older adults maintain their independence by visiting them at home to discuss the news, read mail, play cards, run errands, etc.

Foster Grandparents serve as positive role models for children who need special attention with education, healthcare, and social development in schools, Head Start programs, and child development centers.

SCP and FGP volunteers must meet income guidelines and complete an enrollment process that includes references and background checks.

In exchange for volunteering 10 hours or more per week, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $3 an hour tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, an annual physical examination, supplemental accident insurance coverage, and other benefits including an annual recognition luncheon.

The stipend does not interfere with rent, disability, Medicaid, or other benefits.

For more information on the FGP and SCP, please call 402-444-6536.

If you’re looking to add a hospital bed to your home, there are several options from which to choose. A hi-low model may be your best bet.

Hi-low hospital beds can be adjusted from head to toe and are designed to hide the electrical components. This allows a hospital bed to look like a traditional bed so you can have guests in your bedroom without being self-conscious.

Hospital beds come with a variety of features including variable massage, wireless illuminated hand controls that allow consumers to adjust the head and feet positions without turning on the lights, excellent height range for easy self-transfer, standard weight capacity, a European-style head tilt that cradles the pillow, and an emergency power down option.

The key advantages of hospital beds over standard home beds are the ability to adjust the bed’s height, head, and feet positions.

Standard hospital beds range in width from 35 (most common) to 54 inches and 75 to 88 inches in length.

Longer and wider hospital beds provide added comfort and are more accommodating for larger consumers. Some hospital beds have extension kits to make them bigger.

Hospital beds are adjustable. Bed height adjustments allow for better patient egress and ingress as well as easier caregiver access. A hospital bed frame in the lower position makes it easier to get in or out of bed, while a higher setting is easier for caregivers to serve the consumer.

Head elevation allows more comfort when reading, eating, or watching TV. Elevating the bed’s leg and feet positions help with therapy and improves consumer ease.

There are six basic types of hospital beds: the full-electric, semi-electric, manual, low-bed, bariatric, and Trendelenburg.

A full-electric bed allows electrical adjustment of the height of the bed frame, head, and feet positions. Most fullelectric hospital beds can be adjusted by a remote-control embedded in the footer panel or side rail which allows the consumer to determine the best position.

Some full-electric beds can lock out the controls to protect the consumer from harmful accidental repositioning.

Semi-electric hospital beds are similar to full-electric beds except the semi-electric bed frame height is adjustable manually by a hand crank. The head and feet positions adjust electrically. Formerly, semi-electric beds were much less expensive than full-electric beds, but advances in technology have brought the price of these two types of hospital beds closer together.

Manual beds don’t use electrical power. Hand cranks positioned at the foot of the bed provide for adjustments.

These beds offer the most economical solution.

Low-hospital beds have frames that adjust to a minimal height from the floor. The lowest position allows for easier ingress and egress and are safer for patients that may be weak or at risk of falling while getting in or out of bed.

Heavy duty bariatric hospital beds can support greater weight (700 pounds or more) than other hospital beds.

These wider beds provide more room and a solid-deck design without springs which allows adjustment of the mattress, head, and feet positions.

Trendelenburg hospital beds offer many clinical positions useful for recovery therapies. These beds allow for a multitude of positioning options and eliminate the need for most pillows and bed wedges. Trendelenburg positioning can provide a recliner chair type functionality required for many older adults.

While this type of hospital bed offers the most adjustability and function, the Trendelenburg style requires additional space to avoid contact with walls and furniture.

The standard mattress that comes with a hospital bed isn’t very comfortable. Placing a regular mattress on a hospital bed may not feasible, so I suggest getting a conforming mattress.

Consumers must meet specific criteria for insurance and/ or Medicare to cover the cost of a hospital bed. The hospital bed is often paid for by insurance as a rental instead of as a purchase. After 12 months the consumer owns the bed.

In summary, while basic hospital beds will meet your needs, they may not be as comfortable as the bed you’ve been used to using. Find the type of hospital bed that best fits your needs.

(Kohll is with Kohll’s Rx in Omaha.)

Omaha Fire Department

SARPY COUNTY

T

• BELLEVUE Third Monday @ 7 p.m.

Bellevue Senior Center 109 W. 22nd Ave. First Wednesday @ 1 p.m.

Eastern Nebraska Vets Home (Vets and non-vets welcome) 12505 S. 40th St. • PAPILLION Fourth Thursday @ 6 p.m.

Hillcrest Grand Lodge 6021 Grand Lodge Ave. WASHINGTON COUNTY • BLAIR Third Wednesday @ 6 p.m.

Memorial Community Hospital Howard Conference Room 810 N. 22nd St.

New Horizons

Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents

•

he Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education and Affairs Department will install free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors inside the residences of area homeowners.

To have a free smoke and/ or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to: Omaha Fire Department Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Requests 1516 Jackson St. Omaha, Neb. 68102 For more information, please call 402-444-3560.

May 2020

By David Kohll, Pharm. D.

D

Farmers’ Market Coupons

uring June, older Nebraskans meeting income and age guidelines are eligible to receive $48 in coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce sold at SFMNP certified Nebraska’s Farmers’ Market stands.

The Nebraska Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program – administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ State Unit of Aging – provides fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The program also helps increase consumption of the state’s produce.

To be eligible, coupon recipients must be age 60 or older and have an annual income less than $23,606 for a single person or less than $31,894 for a two-person household.

Recipients will be given 16 coupons worth $3 each (a total value of $48) that can be used through Oct. 31, 2020 at certified vendors for locally grown produce. Only one set of coupons will be issued per household. The program’s appropriations are limited, therefore, not everyone requesting coupons may receive them.

The produce coupons will

P

be distributed on various days in June at ENOA’s senior centers. Each center will distribute the coupons at a specific date and time.

Most distributions will occur during the first two weeks of June, therefore, it’s important to contact your senior center at the end of May or the beginning of June for information regarding the date and time that center has scheduled to distribute coupons.

More information is available at the ENOA senior centers. A complete list of these facilities can be found online at enoa.org by clicking on Programs and then the Senior Centers link.

(Please note: Distribution dates and other information may be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

THEOS THEOS, a social organization for singles age 60 and older, normally meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at New Cassel, 900 N. 90th St. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, these activities may be cancelled.

For more information, call Dorothy at 402-399-0759 or Mary at 402-393-3052.

Parkinson’s Nebraska

arkinson’s Nebraska is urging everyone across the state to join them as they promote greater awareness of how Parkinson’s affects those living with the disease and their families. They want the community to know it’s possible to live a quality life with Parkinson’s disease with access to the right services such as specialized therapy, exercise classes, support groups, and educational opportunities.

Many events, classes, and groups have been cancelled recently to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our communities safe. As a result, many people with Parkinson’s have lost access to the support and services they need. Community members can turn to online programming to stay connected, engaged, and educated.

Parkinson’s Nebraska has compiled a list of online Parkinson’s programs from its national and local partners, so they’re easy to find in one place. Please visit parkinsonsnebraska.org/webinars-and-online-programs to view the growing list of online programs for people with Parkinson’s and their families.

For more information, please contact Amber Winter at (402) 715-4707 or amber@parkinsonsnebraska.org.

Charles E. Dorwart Massih Law, LLC

Vols needed for UNMC research A University of Nebraska Medical Center nurse researcher is looking for older adults to volunteer 90 minutes for a study.

The researcher is trying to recruit volunteers age 60 and older who have experienced moderate pain and volunteers age 19 and older who have been a caregiver for a family member who has experienced moderate pain.

Participants must be able to read and speak English and not suffer from memory loss.

For more information, please contact Dr. Marcia Shade at 402-559-6641 or marcia.shade@unmc.edu or Rasila Soumana BSN, RN at 402-559-2954.

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May 2020

•

New Horizons

•

Page 11

Cindy helping residents adjust to life during a pandemic

Cindy says part of her job is reminding the New Cassel residents that someone cares about them.

--Continued from page 7. to Fort Sill near Lawton, Okla., Petrich put her science studies to use as Blood Program Consultant at the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

When Gary was assigned to the Pentagon, she served as Australian Army Training Coordinator at the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., pairing the visiting Australian officers with the proper training schools.

“My work there was extremely fascinating,” she recalls. “Australian people are absolutely wonderful.

They love the Americans. It was a joy to go to work each day.”

After Washington, the couple moved to Springfield, Mo. Then a lieutenant colonel, Gary served as professor of military science at Southwest Missouri State University. Cindy utilized her experience in Oklahoma and worked as an Apheresis and Blood Program Consultant for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks.

Gary retired as a lieutenant colonel and the couple moved back to Omaha in 1999 to be closer to family.

He became a vice president and consultant with the Steier Group, a national

Page 12

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capital campaign fundraising firm that specializes in helping non-profit organizations achieve their goals.

Cindy has long been involved in fundraising activities for various charities.

One of her favorite causes is St. Gerald’s Church and School, where both of her sons attended and learned from some of the same teachers as their mother.

The Petrich brothers attended Creighton Prep.

After high school, Craig and Derek graduated from Georgetown University and St. Louis University, respectively.

E

arly in 2013, Petrich heard the New Cassel Foundation was seeking help. She met with its administrators and in February 2013, Cindy became the New Cassel Foundation’s president.

The challenges Petrich faced when she took the job seven years ago are much different today. The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. Charities and non-profits are struggling as are so many families. Unemployment and reduced incomes mean less dollars set aside for dona-

New Horizons

•

tions.

Still, New Cassel will find ways to meet its obligations and serve not only its residents but also those older adults and their families who rely upon the center’s other services, including the Franciscan Adult Day Center. The Franciscan Center offers daytime support services for adults with functional loss, Alzheimer’s, or other aging frailties, and provides a viable option for older adults who can’t be at home alone or who are isolated due to a disability.

The New Cassel Foundation helps fund those programs through donations and the sales of its New Cassel Raw Honey, sold at Hy-Vee stores, Wohlner’s Grocery, and other local businesses. Buyers can also pick up a jar or a six-pound tub of honey at the New Cassel office, 900 N. 90th St. During the Coronavirus crisis, please schedule your purchase in advance (402393-2277 or online at newcasselhoney.com).

“We could print up a fancy pamphlet, but what would people do with it after they get it home?”

Petrich says. “Instead, we sell a jar of honey that has the New Cassel story on the side of the label. That stays on their shelf and tells our story every time they pick it up. In the past year, we sold $33,000 in honey with very little advertising.”

And though donations overall have slipped, the foundation recently announced the largest single philanthropic gift in its history from the estate of Streck biotechnology company founder Wayne Ryan and his late wife, Eileen.

The $500,000 donation will fund several projects at New Cassel including the initial phase of replacing the facility’s 50-year-old heating and cooling systems, the addition of energy efficient windows, and remodeling of the dining room, front entrance, and hearth area.

Petrich in the Holy Trinity Fountain garden in front of the New Cassel Retirement Center.

28 World War II veterans here at the time – 50 veterans total – and spouses of other veterans. We have a program with a speaker, and American Legion Post No. 1 presents the colors and plays Taps. And all of our veterans’ names are read aloud.”

The event fills the New Cassel auditorium. “It is such a moving sight,” Petrich says. “When the colors are presented, our people stand up from their scooters and stand straight at their walkers and salute.”

There will still be a program this year, only it will be recorded and broadcast

May 6 on the residents’ televisions. The names of the New Cassel veterans will be displayed, gifts will be left at residents’ doors, and Taps will be played.

“We are very proud of the creativity in everything we do here,” Petrich says. “The world is changing so fast that people can be forgotten along the way. But even when their families can’t be here beside them, we can stand in for them. We will remind them every day that someone cares about them.”

The same people whose mission is to also keep them safe, happy, and alive.

F

aith and service are embedded in the mission at New Cassel. And though the current health concerns have prompted many changes, the New Cassel administrators, staff members, and the foundation will work together to keep traditions intact.

Like the center’s program to honor veterans each May. “I started it seven years ago,” says Petrich, a proud veteran herself. “We had

May 2020

With Cindy as its president, the New Cassel Foundation recently received a $500,000 donation from the estate of Streck biotechnology company founder Wayne Ryan and his late wife, Eileen.