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Winter 2021
Start Your Future Now with YourOwnRetirement Also in this Issue...
When to Consider Memory Care | Step Back into 1995 | Senior Care Profiles Senior Profile: Richard Eichner | Assisted Living and Medicare Advantage
Deb Walton, SRES®
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
Welcome to the Winter Issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine!
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he holiday season is upon us and another new year will soon begin. Who would have ever thought that 2020 would have been such a different year? Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought many changes to our everyday life. This coming year, all of us at Pittsburgh FiftyFive Plus magazine look forward to our ninth year of publication. It has been a wonderful experience and a pleasure for us to publish so many articles about the fantastic people, places and memories that make our city such an outstanding place to live. We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to enjoy reading all the special features and regular columns. Everyone at Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a holiday season full of love, peace, and joy and a healthy and Happy New Year! n
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Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area. The contents of Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.
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Contents 6 Cover Story: Start Your Future Now YourOwnRetirement 8 When is it Time to Consider Memory Care? Dr. Joseph Maroon 11 COVID Vaccine Coming Soon. What Is Operation Warp Speed? Belinda Burchick 12 Senior Care Profiles 14 Physical Self-Care UPMC Senior Services 15 Senior Profile: Richard Eichner Janice Lane Palko
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16 What Assisted Living Costs Does Medicare Advantage Cover? Crystal A. Manning
In Every Issue... 2 From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski 10 Christmas Trees Janice Lane Palko 18 The Good Old Days: Step Back Into 1995 Paula Green 20 Pondering Pittsburgh: Five and Dime Stores Made Perfect Cents Paula Green
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COVER STORY
Start Your Future “Now the half-time air was sweet perfume While sergeants played a marching tune We all got up to dance Oh, but we never got the chance.” Don McLean – American Pie 1971
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f course, 2020 and COVID-19 has reminded us nothing is etched in stone. It has been strange, surreal, scary and for too many, heartbreaking. And each day we hear and read, it is certainly not over. In fact, it’s possible the second wave will be worse than the first one this spring. But we offer you this: We will, once again, get the chance to dance. Hang in there. Be smart, be careful and
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be active in your best interests. We all need to remember our future. The marching band will play again, and you will travel, spend time with friends and family and see new sights. Travel is the number one interest in retirement, followed by new hobbies and grandchildren. We need to remind one another that life goes on, and we need to enjoy it. Retirement should be a very exciting and rewarding time. But you need a plan.
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Call it a COVID recovery plan. What did you learn about yourself, your spouse, job, career, kids this summer? Did you find unnecessary tasks you could lay down for good? Perhaps you will now work from home all the time or at least most of the time. Will you need to modify your house to include an office or quiet space? Maybe, just maybe, you decided retirement can and will come sooner. Absent being able to travel, eat out and vacation, your expenses have probably decreased. Will some of these savings be permanent? If so, can you or your spouse, partner, family member retire earlier than thought? Likewise, many people have had
to consider, perhaps for the first time, what would I do if I lost my spouse? Women generally outlive men by several years. According to David Bach in his recent book The Latte Factor, statistics tell us 80% of men die before their spouse and 80% of women die alone. If you are a single woman in charge of your finances, do you have a full, well-thought-out personal retirement plan? Have you visited with another woman to share your common challenges? Do you have a plan? Unfortunately, many people lost their jobs or took significant pay cuts this year. How is this affecting your future?
e Now 2020 has been forced upon us, but we can get through this together. If your circumstances have changed, you should definitely review the math of your future expenses. All of us live daily and monthly on a budget. That budget may be rather loosey-goosey or strict down to the penny. Believe me, we see clients that carry calculators and others that spend as long as the credit card is accepted (OK. That is a slight exaggeration), but you get the point. Nevertheless, once we know your financial needs, we can create a plan especially designed for you. And when that happens, you can make decisions about your future, you
really could not make before – at least not with the clarity a written financial plan provides. We tell clients all the time the math is relatively easy. Investing always a bit trickier but daily stewardship succeeds. One of the hardest things to do is plan out your time for the future. What will you do with your time in retirement? Why wait to find out? Start your future now! The “new normal” may just be our reality. This virus may be with us for a very long time. It has become crystal clear our society cannot agree on any one solution, if one exists, and it is a global problem. We are affected by events overseas daily in our investing practices. Financial markets are integrally linked worldwide. This pandemic may be just the beginning of future health challenges. So why wait? Your future is now. Make a call, send an email, schedule a Zoom meeting, or in-person visit. It will be time well spent. The big question we get today is: Can I retire soon? COVID, if nothing else, has opened people’s eyes to the possibility of changing their futures.
It has been a wake-up call to thinking differently. We have learned to do without so many things that just nine months ago never could have entered our minds. Our parents often talked about doing without, The Great Depression, WWII and gas rationing. Fortunately, we are not at war, the Steelers are playing and a vaccine will very likely be accomplished. But what an opportunity we have. If you have any inkling of making changes for your current or future retirement, get a written plan done. “Only in America where we dream as big as we want to. We all get a chance Everybody gets to dance…” Brooks and Dunn. Our future is still alive, vibrant and waiting for us. Take advantage of this time to create and remember yours. n Dave & Sue Hickey own and manage Your Own Retirement LLC a local financial advisory company specializing in retirement planning and solutions. All consultations are complimentary and confidential. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Your Own Retirement, LLC are not affiliated companies. 746328 – 10/20
To learn more about YourOwnRetirement, visit www.yourownretirement.com or give Sue or Dave a call at 1-866-677-PLAN (7526). www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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YOUR HEALTH
When is it Time to Consider Memory Care? By Joseph C. Maroon, MD. FACS
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erhaps the toughest discussion a loved one needs to make is when to discuss cognitive decline in an older relative. Whether you are a close relative, like a spouse, daughter or son, or a close friend, there is always self-doubt and fear you might offend or anger the person. Very often families turn to health care professionals to ask for guidance and to learn more about the signs they should look for. I currently advise St Barnabas Health System, Gibsonia, on healthy aging, and I interact extensively with their Memory Care staff. It is essential for families dealing with issues of cognitive decline to learn and to use the excellent resources that are available in the Tri-state area.
Aging and Dementia in the U.S. When it comes to age-related cognitive decline, the greatest risk factor, as the name implies, is older age. As the average age of the U.S. population continues to increase, we are now seeing unprecedented growth in the number of older adults and an explosion of those with dementia. Per the CDC, in 2016, 49 million adults living in the United States—15% of the population—were 65 or older. By 2060, that number is expected to climb to about 95 million, or nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents. The current estimate of older adults with Alzheimer’s dementia is 5.8 million, and the number is projected to reach 13.8 million in the next 30 years.
What to Look For Forgetting the location of your car keys is annoying, but this alone does not necessarily mean you have dementia. Dementia is not a part of normal aging. This is why it is important to recognize signs early and get help. Dementia typically has a gradual onset with memory loss, initially short-term, becoming more and more impaired over time. Progression may lead to disorientation, mood and behavior changes, getting lost, poor judgement and social withdrawal. Changes related to age-related cognitive decline can be
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unique to the person, and many people can learn to “hide” or adapt to their cognitive decline. One of the hallmarks of dementia is a lack of self-awareness and insight into the changes that are occurring. This is why families and friends are often the first to notice and to initiate the dementia discussion with their loved one.
When to Bring in the Professionals When speaking to a health care professional about cognitive decline, the first step is to review the history and look for common signs and symptoms. Because there is a spectrum of causes, signs and symptoms associated with cognitive decline, your health care provider will also focus on causes that may be reversible with treatment. Risk factors for cognitive decline include, depression, medication side effects, excess use of alcohol, thyroid problems and certain vitamin deficiencies. Most likely, there will be additional testing, such as a brain scan and blood work. If these reversible causes are not present, then they will determine the most likely disease condition causing the cognitive decline. These include the most common diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia along with less common causes like Lewy body or Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
What is Memory Care? Whether care is given at the home, an outpatient center or as an inpatient, memory care is specialized care provided by specially trained healthcare professionals that are knowledgeable about how to help those having cognitive decline. Mild symptoms are often managed in the person’s home by a relative with assisted professional help. But if the dementia symptoms worsen, inpatient care in a Memory Care Unit is often needed. Here are some common behaviors and examples that may indicate someone may need professional inpatient Memory Care.
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• Changes in behavior - A person may become more anxious or agitated. • Confusion and disorientation that imperils physical safety – Getting lost or wandering. • A decline in physical health – Not eating, weight loss or forgetting to take needed medications • A caregiver’s deterioration – Caregiver may also develop cognitive decline or other incapacitating conditions • Incontinence – More frequent and not related to a bladder condition Inpatient Memory Care is designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Employees provide meals and help residents with personal care tasks. There are also professional staff that are specially trained to deal with the unique issues that often arise as a result of dementia or Alzheimer’s. They observe residents more frequently and provide an individual care plan, structure and support. Perhaps one of the best reasons to consider Memory Care is the cognitive stimulation, socialization and human interactions that occur in group activities and in staff encounters. These activities can stimulate and help activate the brain and has been shown to slow the progression of some dementia symptoms. In summary, despite the awkward discussion that often surrounds cognitive decline, the earlier it is recognized, the faster it diagnosed. and the sooner appropriate care is initiated, the better it is for all involved. n Joseph C. Maroon, MD is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Nutritional and Sports Medicine Expert. Dr. Maroon has written and lectured extensively on brain health and healthy life choices. As a competitive Ironman triathlete, Dr. Maroon practices what he preaches and is committed to the promoting healthy choices to his patients and readers.
REM EM BER WHEN
Christmas Trees By Janice Lane Palko
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or those viewers of the show Victoria, you will know that Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband, brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to England in 1846. There were already reports of Americans having Christmas trees in the U.S. in the 1830s because the German immigrants brought that tradition with them. By the early part of the 20th Century, most Americans had also adopted the custom of bringing an evergreen into their house and decorating. It must have seemed crazy to the non-Germans to consider bringing a tree indoors. In earlier years, people decorated their trees with homemade ornaments, but as times changed so did our Christmas trees. I have always loved Christmas trees, even the aluminum ones. Yes, in the 1960s, my family had an aluminum tree that revolved and came with a color wheel. Hey, it was the space age and that tree fit the times. My
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nephew Ryan likes old things, and he puts up that 55-yearold tree in their house now. In the 1970s, my family moved on to a live tree, and for many years we made a day of it, going to Lake Forest Gardens Christmas tree farm in Fombell. We continued that tradition when I got married, and we cut of a piece of the trunk, and I decoupaged a photo of me and my husband on our first Christmas on that piece of our first Christmas tree. We continued to get a real tree until we discovered that my youngest son was allergic to them, and we thought it cruel to make him suffer through the holidays so that we could have a live tree. I do miss the smell of pine, but I don’t miss slithering under the tree like the Grinch to water it. I started collecting Christmas ornament in 1977 when I painted a ceramic poinsettia in senior year art class. That same year I acquired a handmade felt snowman that was used as a gift tag from my friend Marianne. It was so meticulously made I should have known that she would go to be an accomplished costume maker. When my kids were born, I started adding a dated ornament with a photo of each of them to my tree. I now do that with my granddaughters. I’ve also collected ornaments for life milestones like anniversaries, new home, etc. When we travel anywhere, I pick up an ornament as a souvenir. I’ve been given gifts of ornaments. I have a glass ornament from my grandmother’s tree and one from the tree at the farmhouse where my 92-year-old mother-in-law grew up in Saltsburg, Penna. I estimate that I have more than 500 ornaments. I used to put up one large tree and one small one in my bay window, but the football fans complained that the big tree was so large it blocked their TV viewing. So now I’ve gone to two pencil trees and the one in the bay window with Victorian ornaments. I devote one pencil tree to the kids’ and grandkids’ photo ornaments and another solely to ornaments collected during travels. I don’t love these ornaments because they are baubles and pretty, I love them because when I look at them, I see memories and people. The big glass Santa I purchased in Horne’s the first year I had a “real job.” There’s a paper angel my friend, Donna, made me 30 years ago. There are ornaments my kids made me. There are ones I’ve gotten in ornament swaps at family parties or from my neighborhood Garden Club. Yes, it may seem strange to bring a tree into a house, but when it’s decorated with love and memories, it makes all the sense in the world. n
YOUR HEALTH
COVID Vaccine Coming Soon. What is Operation Warp Speed? Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Immediately following the announcement of increased cases of COVID-19 in the United States, several manufacturers began development of a vaccine, with the support of the federal government, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On May 15, 2020, Operation Warp Speed, a partnership and collaboration between private firms and federal agencies, was officially initiated by the U.S. government to support and expedite the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
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peration Warp Speed’s goal is to provide over 300 million vaccines by January 2021, distributed through pharmacies across the nation in a safe and effective manner. While HHS is leading the vaccine development, the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are coordinating the supply, production, and distribution of the vaccine. During the initial availability of the vaccine, about 60% of the pharmacies will have access to the vaccine for immunization. Long-term care pharmacies, providing essential pharmacy services and medications daily to over 15,000 nursing homes, have been on the front lines of this emergency from day one and plan to vaccinate the most vulnerable population effectively and quickly. It has also been reported that the vaccine will be provided at no cost. As of early November, reports show that the leading manufacturers of the vaccine are indicating that the vaccine is over 90% effective and have shown no serious safety concerns. There have been more than 50,000 participants in the clinical trials to test the vaccine. Some of the vaccines may require two separate doses, given 21-28 days apart. As the vaccine becomes available, the below proposed plan is to vaccinate in phases based on the most vulner
able groups of people. As of mid-November, there have been no specific dates of availability for each phase, but it is projected that the first availability of the vaccine may be January 2021. Phase IA and 1B will include 15% of U.S. population, with example list below: • High-risk Health Care Workers and First Responders • Nursing Home Staff and Home Health Aides • Morticians and Funeral Workers • Adults in Nursing Homes • Adults with 2 or more Comorbidities Phase 2 will involve 30-35% of U.S. population, with example list below: • Adults with 1 comorbidity • Teachers and School Staff • Prisons, Homeless Shelters, and 1 Group Homes • Essential Critical Infrastructure workers (i.e. grocery workers, meat packers, farm workers, etc.) Phase 3 will involve 40-45% of U.S. population, with example list below: • Colleges and Universities • Children • Workers in industries essential to the functioning of society and are at increased risk of exposure Phase 4 will be for the remaining U.S. population who have not received the vaccine in the previous phases. If you would like more detailed information about the COVID Vaccine and Timeline, please go online to: www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/explaining-operation-warpspeed In the meantime, remember that you can be presymptomatic or asymptomatic, so please be mindful to not spread the virus by wearing your mask, hand sanitizing and keeping a safe distance of six feet. There have been several studies now on cloth masks, including experiments using high speed video which showed that hundreds of droplets are expelled from your mouth even when you are saying a simple phrase, but nearly all droplets were blocked when wearing a mask. This may be why we are seeing a decrease in the flu and common cold this season so far. n
Always be safe and healthy! Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh. www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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Senior Care Profiles Envisage If you envision a future of living independently in the home you love without being a burden to your family and friends, Envisage may be right for you. Envisage is a long-term planning solution for adults age 60+ that lets you anticipate your future care needs and plan for them now. Envisage can help you: • Stay living independently • Age securely in the place you call home • Focus on your health and wellness • Protect your assets for bigger and better things
• Provide coverage for future long-term care needs • Minimize the caregiving burden on your family and friends
To learn more, visit www.Envisage.org
St. Barnabas Communities It’s always the perfect time to enjoy retirement living at St. Barnabas. The beautifully landscaped campuses provide a peaceful space to relax and enjoy Mother Nature. Our residents stroll walking trails with their dog, play bocce with friends, fish at our private pond, golf on one of our two 18-hole golf courses or join neighbors for happy hour on the Crystal Conservatory pool deck. Our indoor mall at The Village includes a bank, gift shop, library, general store, chapel, salon, wine room and three restaurants where residents gather daily for events, entertainment, happy hour and chef-prepared meals. We offer a diverse array of amenities to match your lifestyle and these are just a sampling of the St. Barnabas retirement experience exclusive to our residents. Call 724-443-0700 to find out how you can start enjoying your retirement! www.stbarnabascommunities.org.
WESTARM Physical Therapy & Home Health WESTARM Physical Therapy is a locally owned, Medicare certified rehabilitation agency that has been operating for nearly forty years in the Allegheny Kiski Valley and surrounding areas. We offer Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy at our local outpatient facilities. WESTARM Home Health provides skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy in patients’ homes. Our Medicare certified home health agency has been in operation since 2010. We are able perform pre-habilitation prior to surgery, post-surgery home care, and outpatient rehabilitation offering a continuity of care resulting in better outcomes. (724) 337-6522 | www.westarmtherapy.com Our convenient outpatient locations: • Lower Burrell • Cheswick • Leechburg • New Kensington
• Kittanning • Vandergrift
• Sarver • Plum
UPMC Senior Communities Make the most of what life has to offer by making one of UPMC Senior Communities your new home. Choose from a variety of locations around greater Pittsburgh that keep you close to your family, friends, church and shopping preferences. Feel safe and secure in an environment that surrounds you with all the support you need to continue living your senior years to the fullest. Let go of snow shoveling, grass mowing, home maintenance, cleaning and even transportation and cooking if you prefer. Choose from a complete schedule of engaging social and spiritual activities with many new friends. At UPMC Senior Communities, we offer all this and more at reasonable pricing options that enable you to take full advantage of this lifestyle. By offering a variety of facility styles, levels of care and payment options, UPMC Senior Communities can accommodate your preferences. Knowing what is right for you is based on knowing what you need to live life well, regardless of the level of support you require. Perhaps you are looking to enrich your life with more social activities and interactions, or to move to an environment that enables you to be free of daily obligations, such as home maintenance. You may need some assistance with managing your health and wellness, or you may require more medical help due to more significant health issues. Offering options in independent living, personal care and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation, this spectrum of living styles is designed to accommodate your needs and provide you with the fullest lifestyle possible. UPMC Senior Communities is proud to be part of UPMC – one of the most innovative and patient-centered health systems in the country. That affiliation brings valuable benefits to our residents and staff. As members of the larger UPMC family, our residents benefit from the opportunities and resources that can only be found in a world-class health system. For more information and to schedule a tour, visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com or call 1-800-324-5523.
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Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is a not-for-profit that’s been focused for more than 90 years on making aging easier®. As the region’s largest aging services provider, we have created a network of interconnected living, service and care options to meet the needs of older adults from all walks of life wherever they are on their life’s journey. Our continuum of care and services includes Independent Living/LifePlan Communities, Service-Enriched Low-Income Housing, In-Home Programs, Personal Care Communities, Skilled Nursing and Short-Term Rehabilitation Care Centers, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care and Adult Day Services. We are privileged to serve 6,500 older adults annually across 10 Western Pennsylvania counties. Every day lives are being enriched and changed positively by our compassionate and well-trained team members and volunteers – people whose calling is to serve others and whose dedication to excellence is consistent with our faith-based mission of improving the lives. Learn more about our living and service options at www.SrCare.org.
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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YOUR HEALTH
Physical Self-Care UPMC Senior Services
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s we face the winter months in an already wild 2020, we may be in some agony thinking about our physical health. Staying safe inside this winter means protection from the elements as well as from COVID-19. Now is as good a time as any to consider how we will stay as physically well as possible in the safest way. And how can we promote our physical self-care? Exercise is not the only way to provide yourself with some physical self-care, but it is certainly one of the most important steps. Exercise is not restricted to going outside or going to a gym (though it is nice to occasionally change settings). Walking can happen anywhere, including in the house. If you have physical or mobility limitations, chair exercises are a good option. If you have access to a computer, check out what local gyms or activity centers like the YMCA are offering on their websites or social media accounts. Remember that being physically distant does not mean activity should cease. Another aspect of physical health we often hear along-
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side exercise is diet. However, a more important consideration is nutrition rather than diet. There is a reason that we often hear these topics together. What we put into our bodies via eating is just as important to what we are doing with our bodies via exercise. Be sure to check out the nutrition labels on food to see to see the ingredients of any given product. Organizations like the National Council on Aging offer tips and resources about making healthy food choices, knowing what a healthy plate looks like, and making smarter choices at the grocery store. When physical health is considered, we may be thinking solely about exercise. Physical health and self-care are not just about physical activity. Sleep is a valuable part of physical self-care as well. If you are having trouble sleeping, the first and most important thing to do is discuss this with your doctor to see if a medical condition or medication may be a culprit. Consider what you are doing before bed. Are you eating, drinking, or exercising right before bed? If so, you may need to make some adjustments if you are having trouble sleeping. Are you giving yourself some time to relax before bed? And is the room a peaceful place to ease into falling asleep? Sleep is a need, not a luxury, so it deserves attention. Caregivers need to allow time for their own well-being and care as well. However, it is easier said than done. Sometimes, emotional self-care needs to come before we can offer ourselves physical self-care. Caregivers need to remind themselves (and if you know a caregiver, consider reminding him or her of these as well): you cannot live your life for others 24/7. Accept what you can change and what you cannot change. Seek the help you deserve. Practice selfforgiveness. Every person has their own unique needs and dreams to fulfill. If you are a caregiver or know a caregiver, please consider our upcoming “INSPIRE the Frontline” program specifically for family caregivers. Offered weekly on Thursdays from Jan. 7 through Jan. 28 at 1 p.m., UPMC Senior Services has great information and resources to share via this free, live, virtual caregiver education event. Self-care and goal setting for caregivers will be the focus of this program, which is made possible by a grant from The Beckwith Institute. If you are interested in participating in “INSPIRE,” contact UPMC Senior Services to register. Our phone number is 866-430-8742, our e-mail is UPMCSeniorServices@UPMC. edu, and our website is SeniorServices.UPMC.com. Additionally, please reach out to us if you have questions about community resources or would like to discuss a situation that is close to you. You can also join us on at Facebook. com/Groups/UPMCSeniorServices. n
SENIOR PROFILE
Senior Profile
Richard Eichner By Janice Lane Palko
They say everything old is new again. With the COVID-19 epidemic, we’ve seen the return of the custom of groceries being delivered to the home. But there is one man who has never stopped delivering groceries to the home and that is Richard (Dick) Eichner, 87, of Eichner’s Family Farm on Richard Road in Wexford.
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ick’s grandfather, John Richard, purchased the 16-acre farm in 1897, setting the stage for what would develop into a family farm that is now into its fourth generation of operation. Before him, Dick’s father, Michael, ran the farm and then Dick. He has since handed over most of the farm work to the fourth generation, his twin sons, Don and Ron, who also pens a monthly column in Northern Connection magazine. Dick graduated from North Catholic High School in 1951 and has been married to wife, Vi, 84, for 65 years. In addition to Don and Ron, they also have two other children, Diane and Gary, as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Three of the Eichners married three from the Richard family, with Dick being the oldest of the 13 children who grew up in the valley there. Twice a week Dick still delivers the eggs the farm’s chicken lay to his customers. Decades ago, there were only three options for local farmers to sell their goods. You could take them to the Strip District, sell them from the tailgate of your truck or go houseto-house. When vendors like Jewel Tea, Charles Chips, and the milk, man who were a staple of family like until the 1970s, abandoned home delivery, Dick still is the Egg Man. He has been home-delivering eggs since 1931. “My father used to get me out of grade school to help deliver the eggs,” said Dick, who keeps a handwritten list in a notebook of all his customers. Many of his customers are also the second or third generation. He delivers eggs from the North Side to Wexford on Tuesday and Thursdays and his delivery route ranges between 100-150 miles. Dick estimates that 20% of the farm’s annual income comes from the egg sales.
In addition to eggs, Dick often sells Eichner’s bacon, sausage and seasonal vegetables from the back of his station wagon—talk about farm-to-table! Dick plans to keep delivering eggs until he can no longer get around, which his customers hope is a long time. n
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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55+ FEATURE
What Assisted Living Costs Does Medicare Advantage Cover? By Crystal A. Manning
If you are looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, you will want to consider costs, coverage, and limitations. You’ve probably even seen television commercials advertising zero-dollar premiums for Advantage plans. Well, the premiums are not the only cost you will need to consider when enrolling in an Advantage plan.
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n 2019, Medicare Advantage plans were able to offer nonskilled in-home care, a benefit unavailable prior to that due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ policy against covering “daily maintenance” types of care. In-home care bene-
CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE?
fits vary from one plan to another and may include things like: • Nutrition services • Home modifications • Adult day healthcare • Telehealth services • Personal care services, including tasks like preparing food, bathing, or dressing • Transportation to medical offices
Crystal A. Manning
In many cases, these benefits are limited. For example, nonemergency transportation may only be available a certain number of times per year or within a certain period following hospitalization, depending on the policy. It is also important to note that Medicare Advantage plans do not explicitly cover assisted living. In fact, the purpose of many of the additional benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans is to promote aging in place. However, if it can be established that a senior’s home is an assisted living facility, in-home services provided by the facility may be covered.
Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com 10008 Pine Ridge Drive Wexford, Pa. 15090
What Assisted Living Costs Does Medicare Advantage Not Cover? Despite the expanded coverage options available through Medicare Advantage plans, seniors cannot receive assisted living coverage through these plans. Room-and-
Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert! Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.
Medicare Advisor
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Winter 2021 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
board fees, activities fees and meals are not eligible for coverage under Medicare Advantage. Is Assisted Living Considered Inpatient Care? In most cases, assisted living is not considered inpatient care, which is why it is not covered by Medicare Part A. Following a qualifying inpatient hospital stay, Medicare covers a stay in a skilled nursing facility for up to 100 days, after which the patient is responsible for 100% of the costs. When utilizing skilled benefits, a patient must be using rehab to improve. In some cases, skilled nursing services may be provided in an assisted living facility. In this instance, these services would be covered by Medicare Part A and Medicare Advantage. How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover for Assisted Living? Medicare Advantage plans only cover the costs of qualified medical care that seniors receive while they are residing in an assisted living facility. For example, inpatient and outpatient care are covered just as it is for seniors who reside in their own homes. However, Medicare Advantage plans do not pay for the cost of the assisted living facility itself.
MULTI-DAY TOURS
How Do I Know If My Medicare Advantage Plan Covers Services Provided in Assisted Living? Nationwide, there are thousands of Medicare Advantage plans, each with their own unique coverage options, costs, and additional benefits. Finding a Medicare Advantage plan that covers non-skilled, in-home care requires some legwork but, in the end, may provide significant cost savings. To find out what inhome services are covered, seniors should review a copy of their plan’s “Evidence of Coverage” notice, which outlines everything the plan covers and to what degree eligible services are covered. Is an Assisted Living Facility Considered a Beneficiary’s Home? Different health insurance companies may have different criteria for what qualifies as a beneficiary’s home, which impacts what types of non-skilled in-home care Medicare Advantage plans cover. However, in instances in
which an assisted living facility is considered a home, the facility could receive reimbursement from a resident’s Medicare Advantage plan for certain types of care, such as transportation services and personal care services. How Do I Pay for Assisted Living Services Not Covered by Medicare Advantage? Currently, Medicare Advantage does not cover assisted living costs, as they only cover what Medicare mandates. Seniors have several other options for paying for long-term care, including state-funded programs like Medicaid and Medicaid waiver programs, long-term care insurance, asset liquidation and selling a life insurance policy for cash. Contact Crystal Manning Licensed Medicare Advisor at 412-716-4942 or crystalmanning33@gmail.com for help with understanding your choices and help with your enrollment process. n
(All multi-day tours are priced per person, double occupancy)
Daytona Beach 15 Day
Feb 21-Mar 7....................................... starting at $1,484
Queen Esther in Lancaster Plus
Apr 23-24; Jun 18-19; Oct 15-16............................. $486
Ocean City, MD
Jun 6-10.................................................................. $654 Jun 13-17................................................................ $739 Jul 11-15................................................................. $950 Aug 8-12............................................................... $1,049
Ark Encounter & Creation Museum
Jun 15-16; Oct 19-20.............................................. $399
CASINO TOURS Bally’s Casino Atlantic City
4 Day - Mar 21-24................................................... $316 5 Day - Jun 6-10; Jun 20-24................................... $429
Tropicana Casino Atlantic City
4 Day - Apr 18-21.................................................... $393 5 Day - Jul 11-15; Aug 15-19................................. .$615
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Jun 7; Jul 26; Oct 4.................................................... $88
ONE-DAY TOURS I Love Lucy Murder Mystery
Feb 14...................................................................... $107
Spring in DC
Mar 27..................................................................... $165
Queen Esther One Day Lancaster
Apr 17; Jun 26; Oct 9............................................... $299
Amish Tea Party
Apr 19...................................................................... $135
Simply Sweet
May 1....................................................................... $147
The Big House
May 12..................................................................... $162
America’s Heroes of the 21st Century
May 19..................................................................... $107
Train, Wine, and Chocolate
May 28; Jun 30; Sep 8............................................. $153
Mountain Playhouse
Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 4; Aug 18; Sep 1....................... $127
AIR TOURS & MOTORCOACH-TO-CRUISE National Parks & Grand Canyons of the SW
May 2-7................................................................ $2,399
Best of Bermuda Cruise
May 3-10*............................................Starting at $1,212
9 Night Bermuda & Bahamas Cruise
Jun 3-12*.............................................Starting at $1,288 *Includes port charges, taxes, fees, & shipboard gratuities!
Motorcoach Drivers Wanted! Current CDL Class B required with Passenger Endorsement. Contact Michelle Conner at 412-749-4188 or email your resume to michelle.conner@coachusa.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Step Back Into... A terrorist bomb destroys the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City O.J. Simpson murder trial wraps-up By Paula Green
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n October 3, an estimated 150 million people watch as the not guilty verdict is read in the O. J. Simpson trial. Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Timothy McVeigh, 27, is arrested for the Oklahoma City bombing, where 168 died, and 680 were injured. Superman actor Christopher Reeve falls from his horse and is paralyzed from the neck down. Mexican pop star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is murdered by her former agent.
Average The average income was $34,076. Cost of a new home $158,700. The average price of a new car $15,500. Gasoline was $1.15 per gallon. A dozen of eggs is $1.16. A gallon of milk is $2.96. A loaf of bread costs $2.02. The price of a firstclass stamp is 32 cents. A pound of ground coffee is $4.07. A movie ticket is $4.35.
Firsts eBay debuts on the internet. Pixar releases the first computeranimated film Toy Story.
On July 27, on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
Casper, Crimson Tide, Die Hard: with a Vengeance, Goldeneye, Jumanji, Pocahontas, Toy Story and Waterworld.
The Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame opens on September 2 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Television
Pope John Paul II visits the United States on a whirlwind tour, October 4-8.
World News The Ebola virus kills 244 Africans in Kikwit, Zaire, in Central Africa.
Popular shows: Babylon 5, The Drew Carey Show, ER, Grace Under Fire, Frasier, Friends, Hercules, Home Improvement, Jag, Monday Night Football, Murder She Wrote, N.Y.P.D. Blue, Roseanne, Seinfeld, 60 Minutes, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Xena.
Songs
On August 6, the 50th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropping is commemorated in Hiroshima by 50,000.
Billboard Hits – Creep, Exhale, Fantasy, Have you Ever Really Loved a Woman, Kiss From a Rose, I Live My Life for You, Take a Bow, This Is How We Do it, Waterfalls, and You Are Not Alone. The Grateful Dead play their last concert on July 9, one month later, Jerry Garcia, guitarist for the group, dies of a heart attack at age 53 on August 9.
Microsoft unveils Windows 95.
The Gulf War conflict Operation Desert Storm officially ended Nov. 30.
Publishing
U.S. events
Entertainment
Starbuck’s Frappuccino is released. The first-ever World Book Day is celebrated on April 23. Kids around the world become obsessed with tiny collectible discs called Pogs. Sony releases the first game console, the PlayStation.
An unprecedented heatwave strikes the Midwestern United States. Temperatures exceed 104°F for five straight days. At least 3,000 people die.
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On May 27, Russia is hit by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake killing at least 2,000 people. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv.
Academy Award winners – Best Picture: Forrest Gump, Best Actor: Tom Hanks for Forrest Gump; Best Actress: Jessica Lange for Blue Sky. Popular films – Ace Ventura II, Apollo 13, Babe, Batman Forever,
Winter 2021 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
The New York Times and The Washington Post publish the Unabomber’s 35,000-word manifesto. Amazon sells its first book: Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought. Leonard Nimoy publishes
his second volume book, I Am Spock, which is a follow-up to his 1975 autobiography, I Am Not Spock. The final Calvin and Hobbes comic strip is published on December 31.
Sports Super Bowl Champs: San Francisco 49ers, World Series Champions: The Atlanta Braves, Stanley Cup Champs: New Jersey Devils, NBA Champions: Houston Rockets. Michael Jordan ends his retirement by announcing he is returning to the NBA. The X Games are first broadcast on ESPN in the summer of 1995. On June 16, it is announced that the 2002 Winter Olympics are awarded to Salt Lake City, Utah, by the International Olympic Committee.
Politics President – Bill Clinton, Vice-President - Al Gore
Quotes: “No soup for you!” – The Soup Nazi from the TV show ~ Seinfeld “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” – Defense Attorney Johnnie Cochran at the OJ Simpson murder trial Sources: http://www.1990sflashback. com/1995/economy.asp, historycentral. com, vogue.com, http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1995.html, https://pop-culture. us/Annual/1995.html, historic-newspapers. com, https://time.com/3648467/19952015-20-years/, https://www.imdb.com/list/ ls024945615/
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Winter 2021
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PONDERING PITTSBURGH
Five and Dime Stores Made Perfect Cents By Paula Green
Who doesn’t love a great bargain? Remember when we were able to go into a local five and dime store in the ‘Burgh and snag a good deal? At one time, these discount stores were a prominent part of our Pittsburgh heritage. They revolutionized American retailing in the late 19th century. Until their creation, shoppers had to ask clerks to get merchandise for them, and often the prices “varied” depending on the merchant.
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ive and dimes were introduced to the public in 1879. During that year, entrepreneur Frank Woolworth launched his first unsuccessful store in Utica, New York. Woolworth tried again and opened a second store in Amish country in Lancaster,
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Pennsylvania, and it was extremely well-received. The concept of the five and dimes was to sell a variety of inexpensive household items. From candy and toys to housewares and notions, these stores offered a little of everything. With its mix of dense urban centers and
Winter 2021 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
rural country towns, Pennsylvania was an ideal place for five-anddime stores. The Woolworth’s chain grew so popular it was even found in the United Kingdom. A few places where Woolworth’s could be found in Pittsburgh included – downtown, East Liberty, Northway Mall, Monroeville Mall, and South Hills Village. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end,” and Woolworth permanently shuttered their doors in 1997. Frank Woolworth’s success did not go unnoticed; others soon followed with five and dimes of their own. It had a chain reaction where one store flowed into another. In 1882, John G. McCrory took his dime-store concept to the coal-mining town of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. The McCrory chain grew to surrounding cities including Jamestown, New York. The gentleman who managed this five and dime was George Murphy. McCrory and his associate Sebastian S. Kresge opened a new five and dime in Detroit, Michigan. The two called upon
Murphy to manage this new establishment. Murphy complied only to turn around a short time later and open his own five and dimes in Pittsburgh. McCrory stores lasted in the five and dime circuit until 2001, when the retailer could no longer survive the onslaught of new, more modern merchandisers. Kresge started his five and dime in 1899. The newly-founded store became known as S.S. Kresge Corporation. Fifteen years after he went into business, Kresge had launched 85 stores, and his net worth was $7 million. In 1977, the company was later renamed Kmart Corporation. G.C. Murphy Co., which also encompassed “Murphy’s Mart,” was founded by George Murphy in 1906 in McKeesport. This five and dime retailer thrived and grew to include
more than 500 stores. For over 80 years, G.C. Murphy connected people from all walks of life throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States. In 1985, Murphy’s Marts was acquired by the Ames Department stores. The G.C. Murphy five and dimes survived a little while longer before being absorbed by longtime competitor the McCrory chain in 1989. Alas, the five and dimes that we so dearly loved to shop at in Pittsburgh cashed out their dis-
count stores. The memories of their lunch counters and bargain basement prices will live on as pleasant Pittsburgh recollections. n Sources: https://dustyoldthing.com/5and-dime-memories/, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/ nostaglic-stores-pgh/, https://www.vidlers5and10.com/blog/a-trip-through-the-pastwith-five-and-dime-stores, http://mall-hallof-fame.blogspot.com/2009/08/south-hillsvillage-washington-road-us.html, http://www. murphymemories.com/history.html, https:// www.britannica.com/topic/Kmart, http:// www.murphymemories.com/history.html
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