zest March 2011

ZesT

March 2011

50+ Living

Celebrating

1YEAR of ZEST!

Alive and waltzing Old time dancing is thriving

Special: End-of-Life Planning • Pre-planning a funeral • Parceling possessions • Coping with loss

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320-234-6825 or 1-800-447-7244 624 13th St., Suite 102, Glencoe, MN 55336

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For information or to arrange a tour, call Berit Spors at 320-234-0865

The Oaks & The Pines 2 ZEST / March 2011

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The Senior Community of Hutchinson

Contents

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18

15

Happy Birthday Zest!

This is a special issue for the staff at Zest, one where we are celebrating our first year of publication. It’s an amazing milestone and one that could not have been reached without your support. The readers of Zest throughout the communities in Meeker and McLeod counties and the region beyond have embraced the magazine and helped to make it what it is. From recipe submissions to posing for photographs, your participation is much appreciated.

Also, Zest would not be having its first birthday without the cooperation of its story subjects and advertisers. A big thank you to all the

March 2011 Vol. 2 No. 1 zestforlife.mn

4

Letter: Talent of bakers does not go unnoticed

6

Money: Avoid overspending

7

Travel: Five favorites for an indoor winter visit

8

Wellness: Managing joint problems

10

COVER STORY: Alive and waltzing

13

Medicare Answers: Stay covered while traveling

14

SPECIAL SECTION: End of life planning

15

Feature Story: Funerals: Preparing for the inevitable

18

Feature Story: Pre-plan and rest in peace

22

Feature Story: Possessions: Who gets what?

26

Comfort Foods: Sample a few regional delicacies

27

Comfort Foods: Slow cooking creates fast meals

28

Puzzles

30

Last Word: Time to hang up the keys?

people who let me into their kitchens and pry into their life stories. The experiences and tales you have entrusted to me will stay with me for a lifetime.

I hope, dear readers, you continue to enjoy reading Zest as much as we enjoy putting it together for you.

Here’s to year No. 2!

In this March issue, Zest tackles the weighty topic of end-of-life planning. From pre-arranging a funeral to deciding who gets the family Bible after a death, this month’s special focus will encourage you to talk with family and friends about final wishes.

Also inside, step onto the dance floor at the Pla-Mor ballroom and

see how couples from across the state are boogying down to the polka and loving every second of it.

As always, I welcome your feedback and ideas. You can reach me via e-mail at winter@hutchinsonleader.com or by sending a letter to Hutchinson Leader, 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 or Litchfield Independent Review 217 N. Sibley, Litchfield, MN 55355.

All the best!

Katie Winter

ZEST / March 2011 3

Letters

Talent of bakers does not go unnoticed As the executive director of the Upper Midwest Bakery Association, I found the article, “Starting from Scratch,” of great interest.

Baker Tony Marelic started his lifelong baking career without any professional training. This is the path that many bakers have taken to provide us with the bakery goods we enjoy every day.

In today’s society, there are schools and courses available to train bakers; how-

Curt Borchert

ever many bakers still learn the craft the old fashioned way – on the job.

The article captures the passion, talent and tenacity of Tony as Katie Winter told in her story of Tony’s achieving the American dream.

Stories like these bring out the pride of bakers in our profession.

The Upper Midwest Bakery Association is an association that promotes the baking industry in the states of Minnesota, Iowa, South

ZesT

Curt Borchert is the executive director of the Upper Midwest Bakery Association.

Provident works with Medicaid, Private Pay and some insurances.

SPECIALIZES IN: 3 hours or more per day of home health aide services Up to 24 hour nursing coverage in the home for complex needs including ventilators Private pay options which include: Treatment & Medication management

P U B L I S H E D BY Litchfield Independent Review PO Box 921 Litchfield, MN 55355 (320) 693-3266

Dakota, and North Dakota . We want to thank the staff at “Zest” for covering this informational article that promotes the industry and affirms the talent of our bakers.

On another note, as a former teacher at Mankato Vocational Institution, it was rewarding for me to see my former student, Bruce Nuebarth as the bakery manager at Cash Wise Foods. It is great to see generations working side by side.

Hutchinson Leader 36 Washington Ave. W. Hutchinson, MN 55350 (320) 587-5000

Homemaking services

NEWS

Overnight & live-in services Scheduling and coordination of medical appointments

Katie Winter, reporter winter@independentreview.net or winter@hutchinsonleader.com (320) 693-3266 or (320) 234-4172

Grocery shopping 24 hour RN supervision of direct care givers

Customized In-Home Care For You Or Your Loved Ones.

Companionship from 3 hours per day up to 24/day coverage

A D V E RT I S I N G Shari Forsman, advertising representative sales@crowriverpress.com (320) 234-4171

4 ZEST / March 2011

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Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 (320) 587-2062

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P R I N T E D BY Complimentary Consultations are available.

Please call 651-343-7887 for more information. or toll free 1-877-407-9130

Local

Want to feature an item from your business?

Call Shari at 320-234-5702.

Finds

Marietta Collection

Home Décor Bring a burst of spring to any room with these flowering tree and song bird plates.

At only $12.95 each, they offer style and color that will compliment your décor.

Available at Factory Direct Furniture Hutchinson Location 16919 Hwy. 7 East, Hutchinson 320-587-SAVE (7283) 320-587-5590 (fax) Waconia Location (Open Thursday-Sunday only) 524 Elm Street S., Waconia 952-442-1302 (phone) 952-442-1340 (fax)

Available in your choice of hundreds of fabric and leather covers, the Marietta collection from Flexsteel is an addition to your home that you are sure to be enjoying for many years to come. Many pieces are available including a conversational sofa and even a sectional. Let us help you find the right fabric and fit for you today.

Prices starting at $1199.

Available at Factory Direct Furniture Hutchinson Location 16919 Hwy. 7 East, Hutchinson 320-587-SAVE (7283) 320-587-5590 (fax)

Waconia Location (Open Thursday-Sunday only) 524 Elm Street S., Waconia 952-442-1302 (phone) 952-442-1340 (fax)

Now, Look Here . . .

The newest collection of writing from the Litchfield Area Writers Group is a 120-page book featuring 55 pieces written by 12 members of the group. Treat yourself or pick one up for the reader on your gift list. $10 Available at the Independent Review 217 Sibley Ave., N., Litchfield (320) 693-3266

Gopher Sanctuary Print David Chapman, winner of the 2010 Pheasant Stamp competition, painted a Gopher Campfire Sanctuary scene in honor of the club’s 100-year anniversary. Limited edition print 24” x 32” $75. Artist proof $125. Artist Remarque $50 additional. Custom frame $75.

Only 250 signed and numbered prints available.

Call Craig at 320-587-3361.

ZEST / March 2011 5

Financial Focus®

Brush Up on Your Estate Plan Basics During your lifetime, you make a lot of moves to provide financial security to your loved ones. You put away money for college for your children. You save and invest for your own retirement so that you won’t burden your grown children with significant expenses. And you purchase adequate life insurance to enable your family to maintain its lifestyle should anything happen to you. Yet, if you’re going to help preserve your family’s financial well-being after you’re gone, you also need to take one additional step: Create an estate plan.

Toward that end, you’ll want to start by learning a few of the estate plan basics, such as these commonly used tools: • Will — For most people, a will is probably the most essential estate-planning document. Regardless of the size of your estate, you need a will to ensure that your assets and personal belongings will be distributed according to your wishes. If you die intestate (without a will), your belongings will be distributed to your “heirs” as defined by state laws — and these distributions may not be at all what you had in mind.

• Living trust — A simple will may not be sufficient for your needs. Consequently, you may want to design a living trust, which provides you with more flexibility in distributing assets. For example, you could direct your living trust to disperse assets to your children or grandchildren at specific ages. Also, a living trust makes it possible for your assets to be distributed without going through the often time-consuming, and public, probate process.

• Beneficiary designations — Over time, your life may change in many ways, through marriage, remarriage, children, stepchildren and so on. That’s why it’s important to periodically update your beneficiary designations on your insurance policies and retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k). These designations are powerful and can even supersede the instructions left in your will or living trust, so it’s essential that you’ve got the right people listed as your beneficiaries.

• Irrevocable life insurance trust — Depending on the size of your estate, your heirs may ultimately have to pay estate taxes, though the estate tax laws have been in flux in recent years and may continue to evolve. If estate taxes are a concern, you may want to take steps to alleviate them, such as establishing an irrevocable life insurance trust, under which you’d transfer a life insurance policy out of your estate and have the trust distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries you’ve chosen.

• Power of attorney — A power of attorney allows you to appoint a person (an “Attorney-in-Fact” or “Agent”) to handle your affairs if you can’t do so yourself.

• Health care directive — A health care directive allows you to name someone to make health care decisions on your behalf, should you become physically or mentally incapacitated.

Estate planning can be complex, so you’ll need to work with your tax, legal and financial advisors to make the arrangements that are appropriate for your needs. It may take some time to develop your estate plan, but it’s well worth the effort.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

IF LOW INTEREST RATES ARE GETTING YOU DOWN

LET’S TALK.

Patrick Chapman AAMS Financial Advisor 205 Jefferson St. SE Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-4900 • 800-441-4901

Abby E Barberg Financial Advisor 115 Olsen Blvd Ste 600 Cokato, MN 55321 320-286-2610 • 877-286-2610

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC N02361 Z

6 ZEST / March 2011

Money Avoid overspending Cash or credit? It’s probably one of the most important decisions you'll make at the store.

All too often, consumers overspend without realizing it, by reaching for their credit cards without thinking twice. And for many people it takes months or even years to pay off bills for unnecessary expenses.

“It’s important to not get caught up and overspend at the store or when shopping online,” said Michael McAuliffe, president of the non-profit Family Credit Management Services.

“Charging your purchases is not the problem.

Emotional or impulse spending is the problem, and credit cards simply make it easier.”

The experts at Family Credit Management are offering some tips to help avoid sinking into extra debt: • Create a detailed shopping budget before hitting the mall. If the total is too high, decide whether to scale back or delay certain purchases.

• Use a debit card instead of credit, but make sure you know how much is in your account – you don’t want to bounce checks or be charged overdraft fees.

•Steer clear of new department store credit card offers of immediate savings. They usually charge higher interest rates than the major cards such as Visa or Mastercard and will simply add to your debt. Just opening one could negatively affect your credit score.

• Make your own gifts for birthdays and special occasions. The most cherished gifts are the “heirloom gifts,” passed down through family members.

Travel

Five favorites for an indoor winter visit The Twin Cities area, of course, is packed with great museums and historic sites to explore year-round. And many other destinations are open, at least on weekends.

Winter is a great time to visit some of these popular sites that draw crowds in the summer.

Glensheen Estate – Duluth One of the grandest homes ever built in the state, this 39-room mansion along the shore of Lake Superior was home to the Congdon family. During the winter, tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays, and there are several special events.

This beautiful home, completed in 1908, still has many of the original furnishings and tours provide a fascinating look at the life of an affluent family a century ago.

Standard tours are $15 for those aged 13 and up; lower admission for kids and seniors.

International Wolf Center – Ely Fairy tales are full of wolf lore, but the real facts about wolves make a more interesting story, and one well told at this unique interpretive center at the edge of a north woods town. The resident pack of six wolves can be observed in their outdoor habitat just outside a large window, and is featured in daily programs on wolf biology.

The Wolf Center is open Fridays and Saturdays in the winter, and it offers special weekend trips, from a field trip on wolf howling to a cross-country ski adventure tracking radio-collared wolves in the wild. Check their website, www.wolf.org for the schedule of programs.

Stearns History Museum – St. Cloud The Stearns History Museum is open daily, and reservations are suggested for weekend visits. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $4 for children. Other museum highlights include a replica of a granite quarry, Ojibwe and Dakota summer lodges, and a special children’s area.

a concentration of bald eagles that winter here and feed on the river’s fish. Often, dozens can be seen sitting on trees along the river, swooping for food, or sitting on the ice. Winter is the best time to visit, since there are likely to be bald eagles along the river just outside the center.

The center has observation decks and spotting scopes so you can take a close look at the eagles in the wild.

Inside, you can see the center’s five live, rescued eagles up close any time. And three times a day (at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.) the eagles are part of programs when they’re fed while the audience learns more about eagles. Each weekend during March there will be special programs about eagles, featuring naturalists, artists and musicians.

The Eagle Center is open daily; admission is $4 to 6, depending on age.

Source: www.exploreminnesota.com

Rustad Tours 2011 Tour Schedule New Orleans ............................................March 24 – April 3 Washington DC ....................................................April 6 – 14 Springtime in the Carolinas ...........................April 25 – May 7 Mystery Tour .......................................................May 10 – 16 New York City & Washington, DC .......................June 15 – 26 Black Hills & Medora .........................................June 27 – 30 Canadian Rockies ..................................................July 7 – 15 Alaska Fly-back ...................................................July 14 – 30 Nova Scotia ................................................July 21 – August 6 Alaska Direct ......................................................August 1 - 8 Folklorama .........................................................August 6 – 9 Mississippi River Cruise ....................................August 15 - 18 Mackinac Island ..............................................August 21 - 25 Yellowstone National Park Tour ......................August 24 – 29 Pacific Northwest ........................................September 3 – 19 New York City ............................................September 6 – 15 Door County .............................................September 22 – 25 New England States .....................September 25 – October 8 Minot Hostfest 1 .......................................September 27 – 30 Minot Hostfest II ............................September 29 – October 2 Smoky Mountains .........................................October 15 – 22

SPAM Museum – Austin

National Eagle Center – Wabasha Some areas of the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota stay unfrozen throughout the winter, and draw

Twins Games

208 N 12th St. Box 346 Kerkhoven MN 56252 320-264-2987 1-800-525-0730 www.rustadtours.com info@rustadtours.com

April 28 ..............Tampa Bay May 25 .....................Seattle June 16 ..Chicago White Sox July 20 .................Cleveland August 10 .................Boston August 21 New York Yankees September 17 ......Cleveland September 22 ...........Seattle

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Austin proudly calls itself “SPAM Town USA.” The SPAM Museum here, open daily with free admission, tells the interesting story of this product and its role in the war and even the history of advertising. Take the SPAM Game Show quiz and check out recipes using the product.

ZEST / March 2011 7

Wellness

Manage joint problems with diet and exercise There’s good news for those who experience stiffness and joint discomfort. With a little bit of planning and foresight, it’s possible to organize everything and still keep yourself shipshape and moving.

While many tend to associate daily exercise programs with energetic lifestyles, the truth is that adults are often just as active when they’re engaged in hobbies, vocations and their regular routines.

Here are some tips from Move Free Advanced, a leader in joint health supplements, on how to handle the physical activity associated with tasks such as house and garage cleaning, cooking, shopping, decorating and entertaining.

• Plan ahead. Organize tasks in ways that conserve energy and are less likely to promote joint discomfort.

Turn big jobs into smaller ones. For example, do a load of laundry every other day instead of trying to do all the laundry in a single day.

• Eat right to feel right. Many believe that eating a balanced diet can help to prevent achy joints from occurring.

8 ZEST / March 2011

That’s because a balanced diet can provide the body with natural vitamins and nutrients required by the body’s joints.

• Keep moving. Moderate exercise can help to strengthen joints and promote flexibility. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight can also help to lessen the stress or strain on the joints, especially the knees.

• Consider a dietary supplement to round out your diet and exercise regimen. Since the Glucosamine/ Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found glucosamine and chondroitin to be effective supplements for many people with sore joints, they have been widely recommended for relief of joint discomfort.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are used by the body to help make and maintain cartilage, providing skeletal support and improving joint mobility.

These special ingredients protect joints and cartilage from breaking down and also replenish your joints, signaling the body to produce more fluid.

Cokato Motors is your Friendly Hometown GM Dealership

Wellness

The benefits of vitamin D The body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium, which is responsible for keeping bones, muscles and even the heart healthy and strong. Without enough vitamin D, men and women are at a heightened risk for osteoporosis, a bone condition in which bones become brittle and fragile due to tissue loss.

Vitamin D is also beneficial for those who love to exercise. Muscles that don’t get enough calcium will cramp, hurt or feel weak, possibly leading to chronic muscle aches pains. If the body is getting enough vitamin D, muscles are less likely to cramp or ache.

While it’s possible to include vitamin D in a daily diet, it’s also difficult because there are not many foods rich in vitamin D. Some good food sources of vitamin D are tuna, salmon, eggs and milk.

However, men and women can take a multivitamin or even a vitamin D pill to ensure they get their daily recommended amount of vitamin D.

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Regional Eye Center A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF CARE IN HUTCHINSON

1455 Montreal St. SE (Next to Menards) 320-587-6308 • 800-955-6336 Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

1st and 3rd Saturdays Labor Day through Memorial Day: 8:30 a.m.–12 Noon

MARCH IS SAVE YOUR VISION MONTH Each day in the United States, 2000 workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Most doctors agree that 90 percent of these injuries could be prevented with simple safety steps like properly fitted safety eyewear.

Whether you use a computer or construction equipment, workers can suffer eye strain, visual discomfort, or eye injuries at the workplace, resulting in billions of lost productivity each year.

Nearly half of all Americans spend five or more hours per day using a computer or other hand held device and this prolonged use can lead to computer vision syndrome. Our doctors can help with the eye strain that comes with computer vision syndrome as well as go over simple things you can do at work to improve your work station.

Eye safety, whether at home or in the work place, is proven to prevent vision loss. The American Optometric Association recommends visiting your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam as the best way to ensure healthy vision. Adults age 60 and under should have an exam every two years and then annually thereafter.

I

Regional Eye Specialists OPHTHALMOLOGY/ OPTOMETRY

I

Regional Eye Optical

Steve Queenan ABO/NCLE

Michael P. Merck, M.D.

Christopher R. Wallyn, D.O.

Allan D. Wortz, O.D.

I

Regional Eye Surgery Center ON-SITE SURGERY CENTER

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QUALITY EYEWEAR/ PERSONAL EYECARE Amy J. Nyquist, O.D.

ZEST / March 2011 9

Cover Story

STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER

More than 100 couples turned up at Glencoe's Pla-Mor Ballroom on a snowy Sunday afternoon to dance the polka, two-step and waltz.

Alive and waltzing Old time dancing is thriving at the Pla-Mor Ballroom and beyond 10 ZEST / March 2011

Cover Story

“A

h, the beautiful ‘Snow Waltz,’” said Larry Olson, leader of the Larry Olson Band.

The soothing old-time number was a fitting piece of music for a day when fresh snow had fallen on the PlaMor Ballroom in Glencoe. Inside, the dance floor was filled with more than 100 couples who traveled from near and far in the wintery conditions to dance the waltz, two step and polka.

The tradition of Sunday afternoon dances at the PlaMor Ballroom goes back nearly four decades to a time when dance halls were still hopping and the two-step was still taught in gym class. Today, an avid community of oldtime dancers is keeping the rhythm alive.

On one Sunday afternoon, three couples sat at their usual table, chatting and laughing in between trips to the dance floor. For 40 years, this has been their routine.

“We love dancing and the company,” said Marjorie Hemmann, Glencoe. “We have good friends. It’s good exercise. It’s good fun. I look forward to it all week.”

The group is made up of Hemmann and her husband, Gary, Carolyn and Glen Olson of Bird Island and Lori and Tom Kennedy of Hutchinson. They all met each other and their respective spouses at dances. The couples were married in the same year.

Merv Giffordson, owner of the Pla-Mor Ballroom said many of the attendees share similar stories of love, friendship and family.

“It’s almost gotten to be like a large family,” Giffordson said, “There are a lot of friendships that have evolved by them coming here dancing. The people that come here are not cliquey. They’re dancing with each other’s partners.

It’s like a second family.”

Giffordson started hosting dances on Sundays in 1978.

He also puts on dances for senior citizens on one Thursday afternoon each month. He hires a different live band each week, offers everyone a meal, and on birthdays, hands out free admission coupons for the next dance.

These features do not go unnoticed.

“You have to love old-time music,” said Tom Kennedy, Hutchinson. “You get so you follow a band. We all like Larry (Olson Band) and his brother, Leon. The band makes a lot of difference. They all play different music.”

Each couple on the dance floor has their own style as well. From the pairs who smoothly shuffle across the floor to the ones with free and fancy footwork, all are welcome at the dances. Giffordson said skill level and age are irrelevant, though he would like to see more young people taking a turn around the dance floor.

“They’re very interesting people,” Giffordson. “It’s all walks of life. There are farm people. There are business people. We’ve become close friends with a lot of them.

There’s always laughter and smiling go on.”

But dancing is not just fun; it is also beneficial to the dancer’s health. In a report from Mayo Clinic, researchers claimed that social dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength, help bone strength and

manage weight. Giffordson has seen these benefits.

“It’s very healthy,” Giffordson said. “Doctors keep telling you to walk, but walking is boring, where dancing is not boring. You can have a good time and still have all the benefits.”

Dances are held each Sunday afternoon at the Pla-Mor Ballroom. Admission is $8. Also one Thursday a month, the Pla-Mor hosts dances for senior citizens, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a meal to follow. Admission is $7.

For an extensive listing of bands and events, visit www.polkofa.com.

Many of the dancers at the Pla-Mor Ballroom have been regulars for more than 30 years, creating a spirit of camaraderie and fun for all.

ZEST / March 2011 11

Cover Story

Boogying down to the polka

12 ZEST / March 2011

Medicare Answers

Stay covered while traveling Dear Marci, I have a Medicare Advantage plan and I’m planning to take a road trip across the United States.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover health care I get outside the state where I live?

— Dawn Dear Dawn, Each Medicare Advantage plan, also known as a Medicare private health plan, has its own rules. Most Medicare Advantage plans have their own service areas.

The service area is a geographic area where you must live to be enrolled in that plan. Travel outside of your service area can affect both your eligibility to stay in the plan and whether the plan will cover your care.

First, if you travel continuously outside your service area for six months or more, most plans must automatically disenroll you from their plan. If you are disenrolled from your plan you will automatically go back into Original Medicare. There are some exceptions. Some plans can offer special benefits that allow you to stay enrolled in your plan if you travel continuously in the United States or its territories for six to 12 months. If your plan offers a visitor/travel benefit, look at the rules closely to see how your care will be covered. Only certain areas may be included. Also, your care may not be covered or you may pay more if you see providers that are not in the plan’s network.

Second, if you travel in the United States for six months or less, how your plan will cover your care will usually depends on the kind of you plan you have and its benefits.

There are many types of Medicare Advantage plans. The most common types are HMOs and PPOs. Most HMOs don’t cover care you get from doctors who aren’t in the plan’s network or service area. If the HMO does let you see out-of-network doctors, you usually still need to follow the plan’s rules (such as requesting prior authorization) for the plan to pay anything toward your care. If you’re in a PPO, the plan must cover care you get from doctors who aren’t in the plan’s network or service area, but you usually pay more.

Even if your plan does not usually cover your care when you travel within the United States for six months or less, your plan must cover your care if you need urgent or emergency care. Your charges for emergency room services must be no more than $50 or whatever you would have paid had you received the services in network.

in the United States and its territories and get the health care you need from any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Original Medicare doesn’t usually cover care you get outside the country. An example of an exception to this would be if you are in the United States and need emergency care and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Mexico or Canada.

No matter which state or territory you’re in, the amount you pay for a doctor’s visit depends on whether the doctor takes assignment. Doctors who take assignment agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as the full payment. Doctors who are participating providers always take assignment. If a doctor takes assignment, you or your supplemental insurance only pay a 20 percent coinsurance for most outpatient doctor services.

Doctors who don’t take assignment can charge you up to 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount. The amount a doctor can charge you above the Medicareapproved amount is lower in some states.

If the doctor has opted out of Medicare completely, you must pay the full cost for your care.

— Marci

— Marci Dear Marci, I’m planning a trip to New York City. I have Original Medicare. Will it cover me if I need to see a doctor while I’m in New York?

– Rosa Dear Rosa, If you have Original Medicare, you can travel anywhere

ZEST / March 2011 13

Special: End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life decisions How to decide final wishes and share them with loved ones

T

he French poet Jean de La Fontaine once said “Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.”

Death is not a topic many people prefer to discuss.

However, discussing funeral planning and making arrangements can be a smart financial move and one that limits large decisions at a time of heightened emotions.

It isn’t easy to initiate a discussion about what you want to happen, or hope will happen, when your life ends. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure that your wishes are carried out and to save your loved ones the panic of not knowing what you would want and having to make these decisions without previous discussion or planning. One way to open the conversation is by saying something like, “I’ve been thinking what I would want if I were to become ill or die suddenly, and I want to share my thinking with you.”

Make your wishes known. Think about, and then begin to share with your closest loved ones, your wishes about: • End-of-life treatments if you are incapable of making that decision for yourself.

• Ending treatment, for example chemotherapy, if your prognosis for improvement was nil.

• Where you want to spend your final weeks if it becomes clear that you have only that long to live.

• Who you want to be with you in your final weeks, and what you would like them to do for you.

• What you would want in terms of a funeral ceremony and burial.

14 ZEST / March 2011

• Make plans for the living. Provide clear instructions for the guardianship of your children, if needed, or financial support for your survivors.

Another piece to have in place is an estate plan. Good estate planning is simply making sure that the financial assets that are most important to you and your family go to the intended recipients as quickly, cheaply, and easily as possible.

In deciding whether you need to do any estate planning, the key questions you should answer are whether there is any property you would like a particular person or charity to receive after death and whether you have strong opinions about medical care and final arrangements. If so, it’s usually wise for you to get some simple documentation in writing to provide legal assurance that those wishes will be enforced.

Specifically, when considering whether to take any steps toward estate planning, you should ask: • What are my assets and what is their approximate value?

• What people or organizations do I want to have these assets – and do I wish to give them up during my lifetime or after my death?

• Who should manage these assets during my lifetime if I become unable to do so, or after my death if management is needed?

• Who should be responsible for taking care of any minor or dependent children if I become unable to do so?

• Who should make decisions about my medical care and finances if I cannot make them?

• After I die, do I want my remains to be donated, cremated, scattered, or buried?

Special: End-of-Life Planning

STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER

Ray Bartlett, a Litchfield funeral director, said thinking ahead about your funeral makes it easier to honor your final wishes and reduces pressure on family.

Preparing for the inevitable Get the most out of your funeral by planning and sharing ZEST / March 2011 15

Special: End-of-Life Planning

By Katie Winter

M

innesotans plan vacations, retirements, weddings, even birthday parties, but planning for the inevitable – death – often gets left behind.

Arranging a funeral is not a task any of us wants to undertake but will most likely need to at one point.

“Growing up, we talk to our kids about their schooling and their grades,” said funeral director Ray Bartlett. “We talk about marriage.

We talk about everything. For some reason death is kind of a taboo subject yet. Everybody is going to go through it, not a single one us is immune to it. Talk with your loved ones. That is the biggest thing.”

Preparing in advance Bartlett, a member of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, said tending to the details of a funeral before death can spare loved ones unnecessary stress and ensure that your final wishes are fulfilled.

“I understand that it is a private and personal thing,” Bartlett said, “but your family are the people who are going to be left to deal with this.

I think once people find the benefits and assess their situation a lot of people find value in (pre-need).”

Pre-need funeral planning is a fairly new service offered by funeral homes, coming about in only the past decade. Unlike some types of insurance, pre-need is not about an eventuality but an inevitability. With this coverage, anyone can plan many details, including the products and services, and pay for them in advance.

Many people plan their own funerals as sincere efforts to help their families. They recognize that choices made while “planning ahead” are easier, and often wiser, than when made under pressure and emotions.

Pre-arrangement is also one of the best ways to avoid possible confusion and conflict, and to conserve money.

“If you wait until the death occurs, you’re going to have to make some decisions pretty quickly,” Bartlett

16 ZEST / March 2011

said. “And it’s not always, looking back maybe what you would have done. The beauty of pre-need is it is really low key, flexible; it’s really at the family’s pace. Another one of the benefits of pre-arranging is you can really make some educated decisions because you have the time to look in to some of that stuff.”

Putting money down The average cost of a funeral has been on the rise for the past 15 years, Bartlett said, with the final bill typically falling somewhere between $2,500 and $15,000. By entering into a pre-need agreement, a client has the option to put money into a protected fund. In Minnesota, that money must be honored at any funeral home, allowing the client the freedom to make changes.

“Financial constraints are, of course, a big part for everybody,” Bartlett said. “The funds are protected.

They are put in an irrevocable funeral trust agreement. They are no longer considered part of the individual’s assets. One hundred percent of those funds have to be trusted.”

Do the homework Bartlett said one of the main roles of a funeral director is to be a source of accurate and fair information. He said any reputable funeral director will be more than willing to answer any clients’ questions. Other ways to evaluate the credibility of funeral home and its staff is to ask to see the state license, have the director explain each item on the home’s general price list and research the home’s reputation and years of experience.

“Ask every question,” Bartlett said.

“Any time we talk about costs at the funeral home, we are obligated to share a general price list. I would ask for that. Ask questions from the

Nobody wants to talk about the eventual death of a loved one, but it is a necessity that can bring peace and unity into a family.

Special: End-of-Life Planning GPL. Ask the funeral director to go item by item and explain. Any good funeral director will be comfortable and encourage those questions.”

Visitation versus funeral The act of having a funeral service, regardless of choosing cremation, burial or other disposition, and a visitation are steps in the grieving process for both a family and larger community. A funeral service and a visitation serve two distinct purposes, Bartlett said.

“Each has its own value,” Bartlett said, “but each one has a separate type of value. A statistic that was shared with me is that 70 percent of the people at a visitation didn’t know the deceased. A visitation is really a way for the community and friends of the living to show support and love.”

An overwhelming majority of Americans – 95 percent – say a funeral service is important in honoring and celebrating the life of a loved one, according to research conducted by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council.

“A funeral service itself is a ritual you go through to validate the passing from one step in life to the next,” Bartlett said. “Before this, you had this person living with you and was part of your life. (Honoring) this crossing over, like a graduation, a wedding, any of those things validate the event and helps us to cope with the passing from one spot to the next.”

Take time to talk Whether elaborate or simple, with a visitation or without, funeral choices rest solely on the client’s shoulders, Bartlett said. This fact makes planning and communication even more important.

“When I talk about pre-arranging I say at the absolute minimum talk with your family about what you want,” Bartlett said. “We’re here to help people find the value in certain things and if they don’t see the need or they don’t the value in it, that is their choice.”

For more information about funeral planning, visit www.mnfuneral.org.

ZEST / March 2011 17

Special: End-of-Life Planning

Rest in peace

Prepare your funeral and bring calm to loved ones upon your death 18 ZEST / March 2011

Special: End-of-Life Planning

By Katie Winter

“I

s my dress in the closet?” Irene Herbert asked a nurse upon waking one night in her bed at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Litchfield.

The nurse, confused by the question, called Herbert’s daughter, Ruth Finch, for clarification. “(The nurse) Laura said your mom wants to know if her dress is in the closet,” Finch recalled. “My mom didn’t have any dresses at Emmanuel. I said, ‘Laura, you tell her it is,’ because it was the dress for her funeral. I said ‘just tell her it’s all ready.’ I’m thinking the fact that I was getting (the funeral) ready, she was preparing, too.”

On Aug. 16, 2001, Herbert died from the cancer that put her in hospice care for six months. She was buried in a pink-lined casket wearing her new blue suit, rosary, and grandmother pin. Her hair was fashioned in her favorite style and a small smile quirked her lips – a sign that she had entered eternity peacefully, Finch believes.

This is thanks in some part to the advance funeral planning of the mother-daughter pair.

Life comes with few guarantees. Death is one of them.

Whether people want to think about it or not, the end will come, so making plans for it is not only a good idea but a necessity.

“I encourage (pre-arranging) all the time,” Finch said.

“Its hard to get across to people the peace that you get from doing it.”

After enduring the trials and tribulations of her father’s funeral a couple of years earlier, Finch vowed the circumstances would be different when her mother’s time came.

“I dreaded her funeral from when I was a little girl,” Finch said. “I would think about her dying and I didn’t know how I would deal with that. When my dad passed away, it was too much drama and stress. I didn’t want to do that again and it wasn’t what my mother wanted.”

So with the help of the funeral home, Finch set out to convince Herbert of the charms of pre-arranging the funeral.

“I told Mom about it and she didn’t want anything to do with it,” Finch said. “She said, ‘Well, you can just do that.’”

But slowly, day-by-day and piece-by-piece, Herbert and Finch made the arrangements for the funeral. They discussed everything from songs and pallbearers to flowers and the funeral lunch. By the end, any clouds of morbidity had evaporated.

“I would introduce her to different things, not a lot,” Finch said. “And then, little-by-little, she started telling me the songs she wanted. We did readings. She told me what she wanted to wear. It went very slow with her, so I just wrote it down at her pace. I had everything I needed to have and it was wonderful.”

For those left behind after the death of a loved one, arranging a funeral can be a complex and costly exercise.

Today many funeral homes offer pre-need services that make sure all financial provisions and final wishes are in place.

Herbert and Finch ticked most of those items off the list during their planning sessions. Herbert chose the family members she wanted to serve as pallbearers, a decision Finch admits she would have gotten wrong.

They wrote down the dates and details of important milestones in Herbert’s life – baptism, confirmation, wedding – again information that would have been sketchy for Finch had she been left to come up with it on her own. Herbert also laid out her preferred funeral lunch (ham and scalloped potatoes), favorite song (the Lutheran hymn, “In the Garden”), choice of priest and, of course, the blue suit.

“She wanted a suit to cover her arms,” Finch said. “So, I went to Herbergers in St. Cloud and bought it. It was a really pretty suit. I never even showed it to my mom. I just told her what I bought and that I had it in my closet here.”

Finalizing the funeral attire was simple compared to picking out a casket. That was one choice Herbert balked at making, but Finch was patient. She borrowed a catalog from the funeral home and showed her mother the options. Over time they talked about fabrics, color, quality and cost until Herbert selected the casket that best suited her tastes and personality.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER

Ruth Finch and her mother, Irene Herbert, spent six months making the arrangements for Herbert's funeral after she was diagnosed with cancer.

ZEST / March 2011 19

Special: End-of-Life Planning “That was hard for her but I still got it through to her,” Finch said. “I just slowly introduced her to it. We picked the soft pink because she loved pink. The outer casket was a soft copper. I didn’t want it to look cheap. I didn’t want that for her.”

Funeral costs are often a major consideration for most families. Questions can arise of how much is appropriate to spend, from where will that money come, and what costs are covered by that money. Herbert and Finch discussed the costs with each other and their funeral home.

The family determined a lump sum from the sale of Herbert’s house should be put into a special funeral trust agreement through the funeral home to cover all of the final expenses. This worked well for the family, Finch said. And after all the bills were paid the family even had some money left over, which was refunded.

“The money was all there,” Finch said. “I had more than enough. I had cushioned it well. I just didn’t want to skimp. So, when it came to doing the funeral it was all done.”

On the day of Herbert’s funeral, Finch said she felt a sense of peace and relief that her mother was no longer suffering and that all of the service’s details were in place. That tranquility is something Finch wants her own daughters to experience, so she is already working on arranging the funerals for her and her husband.

“Now I want to do ours,” Finch said. “I think it is a gift to your children.”

A pre-planning checklist The main purpose of pre-need planning is to alleviate the financial burden and decision-making during times of grief and stress. Well-executed plans can make the funeral process run like a well-oiled machine.

It’s never too early to begin pre-planning a funeral. Making a list of information that will go to a trusted family member, executor of one’s estate or a funeral director is one way to start. Here are some items to include: • Name • Date of birth • Place of birth • Social Security number • Location of will • Military service • Place of disposition • Organ donation preferences • Funeral and/or wake preferences • Name of funeral home and director • Copies of receipts and contracts for any services • Any other important information, such as location of safety deposit box and attorney names.

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Special: End-of-Life Planning

Write your will wisely A will is a simple way to ensure that your money, property and personal belongings will be distributed as you wish after your death. A will also allows you to have full use of your property while you are alive.

The law does not require that you have a will. If you die without a will, Minnesota’s inheritance laws will control how your estate will be divided. Your property will go to your closest relatives. If you have a spouse and children, the property will go to them by a set formula. If not, the property will descend in the following order: grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters, or more distant relatives if there are no closer ones.

What is a personal representative?

A personal representative is the person who oversees payment of your debts and distribution of your assets according to your will. You should identify a personal representative by name in Filing a will can benefit your will. Most people both you and your family. choose their spouse, an adult

child, a relative, a friend, a trust company or an attorney to fulfill this duty. You should always pick someone you trust.

How do I prepare a will?

You should outline your objectives, inventory your assets, estimate your outstanding debts and prepare a list of family members and other beneficiaries. You should then use this information to consider how you want to distribute your assets.

How do I change or update a will?

You may want to update or change your will if: • Your marital status changes • A child or grandchild is born • There is a death in the family • You move to a new state • Your personal representative moves away or dies; or • Tax laws change.

Where do I keep a will?

Your will should be kept in a safe place. The original will should be placed where it can easily be found after your death. Make sure your personal representative, a close friend or relative knows where to find it.

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Special: End-of-Life Planning

Who gets what?

How to keep the peace when parceling out possessions

By Katie Winter

A

family Bible, a wedding ring, a Christmas ornament, a hat – all harmless everyday objects, but in the context of a loved one’s death they can be the fuel on the fire for family fighting.

As sad as it is, relatives bickering over possessions and inheritance is an all too common an occurrence, said Cindy Petersen, an educator with the University of Minnesota Extension’s Family Resource Management department. She is responsible for teaching a class called “Who gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” It offers techniques to avoid such dramatic family interactions.

“I’ve heard all kinds of stories,” Petersen said. “It’s not

22 ZEST / March 2011

easy. People have a very, very hard time deciding who should get what. Those are difficult issues that families have to work through. If you have an opportunity, at least make your wishes known before death.”

No one ever plans to be sick or to die unexpectedly. Yet, this kind of planning can make a big difference during a time of grief. When families find themselves in this situation, Petersen said, it is important to be clear on what needs to be accomplished and make as many decisions as possible before an illness or death occurs.

“It’s overwhelming,” Petersen said. “Things change and you have to try to keep it up to date. But if you’re thinking in terms of how can you help your family in case something happens, we can never start (planning) too early.

Special: End-of-Life Planning

Take an inventory When it comes to non-titled property such as a quilt or baseball card collection, the best approach is for owners to decide beforehand who will get what. From there, the owner can choose when and how to pass on those items.

That does not mean those items need to be passed on prior to death, though, Petersen said.

“One of the first things we encourage people to do is to start identifying what do they want to have done with their possessions,” Petersen said. “We encourage people to start making lists of the important things that they have, then identify who they think might get this. Make the list and attach the list to the will.”

Family members also should consider making a list of the items they would like to inherit and share it. This can help ensure that the keepsakes and mementos end up in the right hands. For some relatives an object may carry sentimental value, while that same object may not have much meaning for others Another alternative is for the owner to give things away while still alive, perhaps on a special day, holiday or birthday - thereby celebrating life and family memories - but Petersen cautions that this method comes with one drawback.

“I encourage people, especially like my parents’ age, to

think in terms of giving things as gifts,” Petersen said.

“Maybe they don’t know what to give the next generation or their grandchildren. Maybe there is some special object and they give that item as a gift and the story that goes along with it. I think those are really neat things and that they mean a lot. The caveat is, once it’s given as a gift you have to recognize that the person you gave it to can use it then as they choose.”

Getting your affairs in order Every household has bills, savings accounts, insurance policies and other important documents that require attention and maintenance but often only one member, typically a spouse, is familiar with all the details. Leaving instructions and information behind on these accounts for loved ones is an important step to take to make the transition less stressful.

Start by putting all important papers and legal documents in one place.

“It’s called the red file,” Petersen said. “It’s the things you need if there was an emergency. Ask yourself, ‘Do you know where your birth certificate is, your Social Security card, marriage certificate, insurance policies, will, titles to vehicles. That is a very important thing people can start with, getting some of those documents in order. Let your family know where those documents are.”

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Step No. 1 is having an open and honest conversation with family and friends about final wishes. Petersen said when decisions about property are made prior to death, the owner decides who receives the property. Conversely when division of possessions is left to loved ones after a death, the owner’s wishes may not be accurately reflected and can breed hard feelings and misunderstandings among heirs.

“Keep those communication lines open,” Petersen said.

“It is kind of uncomfortable to talk about sometimes, but I think we need to be open and honest. It doesn’t have to be morbid. It is an opportunity to really share some wonderful stories.”

The topic of death is still not a comfortable one for many families, making discussions about end-of-life wishes difficult to broach. But Petersen said these conversations do not need to be worrying, nor do they need to be started out of the blue. Petersen suggests devising conversation starters out of holiday gatherings, news stories or community happenings.

“It doesn’t have to be the heaviest conversation in the world,” Petersen said. “Sometimes it can come out of a situation that they know of in their community and what would that mean for their family. The conversation can start around that. Also, around the holidays people start reminiscing. That type of a thing brings up the conversation that can bring up stories and objects go along with stories.”

Once wishes and opinions are out in the open, step No. 2 is writing them all down. From making lists to drafting a will, putting this information into writing eliminates any doubts or ambiguity. It also gives family members a guide to help them through a time when emotions and stress are running high.

ZEST / March 2011 23

Special: End-of-Life Planning Keeping all those documents and related contact information up to date is also essential.

“I always think this time of year, tax time, is a good time to do things,” Petersen said, “because you’re looking at a lot of forms and maybe that is the time to update some of those types of things. If nothing else, it gives you the opportunity to review things.”

Filing a will and a health care directive also give guidance to family members about an estate and medical preferences.

A health care directive is a document that informs others of a person’s wishes about health care. In it, people can name a person to make important decisions if they are unable and list preferences for treatment options and organ donation.

“It would be good for all of us to have that in place,” Petersen said. “The key thing with a health care directive is to let people know that you have one. Share it with people. That is not a document you necessarily want to keep hidden. It’s definitely an important document especially if a person has some strong feelings.”

For more information about end-of-life planning, visit www.yellowpieplate.umn.edu.

STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER

Cindy Petersen recommends families have open and honest conversations about end-of-life wishes.

STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER

Coping with grief when a loved one dies When someone you love dies, your world changes. You may feel numb, shocked or frightened. You may feel depressed and have trouble concentrating. You may feel guilty for being the one who is still alive. All of these feelings are normal. There is no right or wrong way to mourn.

Each year, about 2.5 million people die nationwide.

Every death leaves behind an average of four or five grieving survivors. For most, extreme feelings of grief begin to fade within six months after the loss but some bereaved people may continue to struggle for years to move on with their lives.

It’s often helpful to talk with family and friends about the person who’s gone. People sometimes hesitate to mention a dead person’s name or discuss the loss, because they don’t want to cause pain. But it can help when people share their feelings.

Remember, although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends.

Take care of yourself, accept offers of help or companionship from those around you, and be sure to get additional help or counseling if you need it.

It may take time. The process will be difficult but you can eventually adjust to life after someone you love has died.

24 ZEST / March 2011

Tips for Coping with Loss: • Take care of yourself. Try to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. Avoid bad habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol that can put your health at risk.

• Talk to caring friends. Let others know when you want to talk.

• Find a grief support group. It might help to talk with others who are also grieving. Check with hospitals, religious groups, hospices and local government agencies.

• Don’t make major changes right away. It’s smart to wait a while before making big decisions like moving or changing jobs.

• Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble with everyday activities, like getting dressed or fixing meals.

• Consider additional support. Sometimes short-term talk therapy can help.

• Be patient. Mourning takes time. It’s common to have roller-coaster emotions for a while.

Gail Gilman-Waldner writes the “Family Living Focus” column through the Program Development and Coordination department of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

Special: End-of-Life Planning

Picking a law firm Ask lots of questions before selecting an elder law attorney. You don’t want to end up spending time and resources with an attorney who can’t help you. Start with an initial phone or e-mail correspondence. You may speak with a receptionist or office manager before you actually meet with the attorney. Ask this individual pertinent questions regarding the practice. Suggested questions include: • How long has the attorney been in practice?

• Does the practice focus on a particular area of law?

• How long has the practice focused on this area of law?

• Is there a fee for the first consultation with the attorney, and if so, how much is it?

• Given the nature of your case, what information/documentation should you bring to the initial consultation?

Get everything in writing Once you decide to hire an attorney ask that your arrangement be put in writing. This agreement can be recorded in the form of a letter or formal contract. It should specifically define what services the attorney will perform for you and the fees that will be assessed for the attorney’s services.

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ZEST / March 2011 25

Comfort Foods

Sample a few regional delicacies Apple Scotch Cake

Sally’s Cookies

From Marge Berg, Gibbon

From By Helen Bressler, Belle Plaine

Ingredients: • 2 cups sugar • 3/4 cups Crisco • 1/4 cup apple cider • 3 large eggs, beaten well • 2 tsp. vanilla • 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice • 1 tsp. soda • 1/2 tsp. salt • 3 cups flour • 3 cups apples chopped fine • 1 cup walnuts chopped Topping • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Preparation 1. Mix first five ingredients. 2. Add dry ingredients. 3.

Add apples and walnuts last. 3. Put batter in a well greased angel food tin. 4. Mix together topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter in tin. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour.

Ingredients: • 1 cup shortening • 1 cup molasses • 2 tsp. soda • 1/2 cup hot coffee • 1 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg • 1/4 tsp. cloves • 3 cups plus 1 rounded Tbsp. flour Frosting: • 1 envelope plain gelatin • 3/4 cup water • 3/4 cup sugar • 3/4 cup powdered sugar • 3/4 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. vanilla Preparation 1. Put shortening, molasses and soda (dissolved in hot coffee) in large bowl. Blend. 2. Sift dry ingredients and mix well. Chill. 3. Roll out fairly thick and cut with a clean Spam or Band-Aid can, so they have a rectangular shape. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. 5. Frost the undersides of cookies.

To make frosting, soak gelatin in water in saucepan.

Add sugar and boil slowly for 10 minutes. Stir and add powdered sugar and beat until foamy. Mix in baking powder and vanilla; beat until thick.

Wontons From Jean Willey, Litchfield Preparation: 1. Use packaged wontons and line muffin tins. Bake at 400 degrees 3-5 minutes.

2. Combine one package sausage cooked, one jar chopped black olives, one bottle ranch dressing, two cups cheddar cheese shredded, one bunch green onions with tops chopped.

3. Fill into wontons and bake for another 7-10 minutes.

Jumbo Seafood Shells Preparation: 1. Cook jumbo shells and drain. 2. Fill with: • 1 can crab, drained • 1 can shrimp, drained • 1 cup grated swiss cheese • 1/2 cup salad dressing or mayo • Chopped celery • Chopped onion • Chopped pimento (optional)

26 ZEST / March 2011

Comfort Foods

Slow cooking creates fast meals Golden Mushroom Pork and Apples From Family Features Ingredients: • 2 cans Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup • 1/2 cup water • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed • 8 boneless pork chops, 3/4 inch thick • 4 large Granny Smith apples, sliced • 2 large onions, sliced Preparation 1. Stir soup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire and thyme in 3 1/2-quart slow cooker. 2. Add pork, apples and onions. 3. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours (or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours) or until pork is cooked through.

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder • 8 large carrots, thickly sliced • 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts • 4 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained • Chopped fresh parsley Preparation 1. Stir soup, water, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder and carrots in 3 1/2-quart slow cooker. Add chicken and turn to coat. 2. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours) or until chicken is cooked through. 3.

Serve with noodles. 4. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serve golden mushroom pork and apples for supper tonight.

Golden Chicken With Noodles From Family Features Ingredients: • 2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup • 1/2 cup water • 1/4 cup lemon juice

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ZEST / March 2011 29

Last Word

Time to hang up the keys?

Gentle discussion tips for driving issues with elders

By Sharon Rolenc, Minnesota News Connection The new year inspires some people to reflect on life and family issues. For those with older family members, it may also be a good time to assess driving skills to decide whether to have that difficult conversation about hanging up the keys.

It’s a touchy, yet important subject, says Jodi Olshevski, a gerontologist with The Hartford. Her insurance company worked in conjunction with AARP and the MIT Agelab on a study about the issue.

“We recommend that family members get in the car, if they’re concerned about either a friend or a relative, and look for patterns of warning signs – not just whether they’re happening, but whether there’s an increase in frequency and severity of those warning signs,” Olshevski said.

She adds that warning signs also can include a decrease in confidence while driving, trouble navigating turns or, of course, failure to stop at stop signs or signals.

Ann McCartt is a researcher with the Insurance

Excellence

Institute for Highway Safety. She says per mile driven, older drivers do have a higher crash rate, although research suggests that they also are becoming more aware of their limitations.

“Many older drivers, if they’re aware of impairments, do try to restrict their driving,” McCartt said. “They might drive fewer miles, or they might choose not to drive at night or in rush-hour traffic.”

Among other factors, McCartt says new technology for cars is helping lower fatality rates among older drivers. A recent survey from the MIT AgeLab shows one in 10 adults are concerned about an older family member’s ability to drive safely, but more than 30 percent have not addressed it – many for fear of a negative reaction.

For tips on what to look for, and how to broach the subject with elders, a free online course called “We Need to Talk” is available at www.aarp.org.

Some Minnesota drivers can qualify for a restricted license that allows driving at limited speeds and limited distances, and possibly prohibits night-time driving.

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