Senior TIMES of of Douglas Douglas County County
DOUBLE DUTY Roseburg veteran has allegiance to two branches of service
November 2011
Page 2–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
DOUBLE DUTY
MICHAEL SULLIVAN/The News-Review
Roseburg’s Burt Ellis holds a framed photograph of his Navy boot camp graduating class. Ellis enlisted in the Navy in 1947. He provided medical services to wounded Marines during the Korean War.
Roseburg veteran has allegiance to two branches of service BILL DUNCAN The Senior Times
W
hen Burt Ellis celebrated his 17th birthday, he was standing in line at the Navy recruiting station in Los Angeles, waiting to enlist. That was in 1947. After he completed boot camp, Ellis was selected for pharmacist’s mate school. When that training ended, he was assigned as a corpsman with the U.S. Marines, just in time for the Korean War. He found himself on the front lines with the Marines, patching up the wounded. He traded his bell-bottomed Navy uniform for Marine greens when he was issued combat dungarees and went off to war with the Marines. Because the Marine Corps is part of
the Navy, the latter branch of the service provides medical and chaplain services to the Marines. In Ellis’ case, he kept two uniforms — the Marine greens and his sailor suit — until 1967, when he retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. “In all the years I was in the Navy, I never served aboard a ship,” he said. “I was always assigned to the Marines and was billeted on Marine bases, mainly in California.” This month, Burt will have two celebrations to honor his service. On Nov. 10, he will join his Marine comrades to celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps by Capt. Samuel Nicholas at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War in 1775. The very next day, Nov. 11, Ellis will join all who served in the armed
forces in celebration of Veterans Day. In 1958, while Ellis was still on active duty and stationed with the Marines in Twentynine Palms, Calif., he met Pat, whom he married that same year. Once he was discharged after his 20-year Navy career, Ellis returned to his native Los Angeles and went right into a whole new career working for the motion picture industry as, you guessed it, a corpsman. Actually, Ellis was a medical aide on standby in case of an accident at movie and television locations. In 1972, he earned a registered nurse license as he continued working on movie and television sets in Hollywood and at remote filming sites. “I was the only person on the set the Please see ELLIS, page 4
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Page 3
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Page 4–The News-Review, Senior Times
Ellis:
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Volunteer opportunities abound in Douglas County ADA DUNCAN For The Senior Times
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
directors didn’t want to see working,” he quipped. “I was the first responder in case of an accident, but if the injury was serious enough the injured party was transported to a hospital for more intensive care.” He worked on the television sets for the “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” a sitcom also featuring Ed Asner and Gavin MacLeod, and the television show “WKRP in Cincinnati,” which followed the adventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station. Of all the movie and TV sets where he worked, he only got picked once as an extra, Ellis said. It was during the filming of “What’s Up Doc,” the screwball comedy filmed partly in San Francisco and starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal. “I was needed to stand nearby during a dangerous scene in which a Volkswagen is driven off the end of the pier on Lombard Street,” he said. “My 15 seconds of fame was just being a figure on the pier as the car whizzed by.” Being onsite for the entertainment industry brought Ellis in contact with Hollywood celebrities. In his home in Roseburg, he has a wall filled with tributes from such stars as John Wayne, Bob Hope, Henry Fonda, Jack Elam and Elizabeth Taylor. One memento from Burt Reynolds is signed, “from one Burt to another.” “When you meet the celebrities on a working basis, you discover they are just ordinary people,” Ellis said. He worked in the movie industry for 28 years, but tired of the Los Angeles metro area and its crowded landscape. On one occasion he was exploring the countryside while visiting a relative in Roseburg. Pat accompanied her husband, but she was more interested in seeing homes and contacted a Realtor. “I always wanted a hillside home,” she said. When she saw the view of the valley from the property they ended up purchasing, she said: “This is my home.” Her husband agreed. And so it was. It didn’t take long for Ellis to settle into the comfortable life of retirement. He became a member of the Fleet Reserve and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, but also found his favorite pastime, cribbage, through other players in Douglas County. Among all of Ellis’ autographed photos of celebrities, he has displayed numerous cribbage tournament awards, along with pinochle and bowling awards. “I am a serious card player and bowler,” he said. His hilltop home is a photo gallery displaying mementos of his military career and his movie career. But in spite of all these treasured memories, Ellis considers Roseburg as home. Bill Duncan is editor of The Senior Times.
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ransportation is a vital part of our existence in this country, and we handle that part of our life without much thought about what will happen to us when we lose that ability. But that dreaded moment will come for most of us. If our children are living far away or tied to a job for a living, what happens when we need to go to the doctor or have run out of milk or bread? That’s when volunteers become a lifeline. If you want to fill that critical need, pick one of these options: Dial-A-Ride drivers provide transportation in their own communities, to the grocery store, to doctor appointments and to senior centers for lunch three times a week. Each community has a fleet of vehicles, so using your own is not necessary. For Winston, call Scott at 541-679-8706. For Sutherlin, call Donita at 541-459242. For Reedsport, call Sam at 541492-3917. The VA Roseburg Healthcare System needs drivers to take patients to and from appointments in the VA van. You will receive training and have a tuberculosis test. Call Voluntary Services at 541-1000 or Sam at 541-4923917 for requirements. United Community Action Network Trans Link is looking for one or two full-time volunteer drivers for Medicaid transportation Monday through Friday. Volunteers use their own vehicles. Mileage reimbursement is available. For details, call Cheryl at 541-440-6500 or Sam at 541-4923917. Other places that need helping hands include: Sutherlin Senior Center Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Duties also include dishwashing, janitorial tasks, or delivering meals to the homebound. Sign up with Kendra at 541-459-9405 or Sam at
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Foster Grandparent Program volunteers help children learn basic and social behavior skills. They also help them learn to read and to stay on task. Training as well as a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement are available. Service is in a public school or youth-oriented nonprofit facility and requires 15 hours per week. Contact Berta at 541-492-3520 for more details. The Umpqua Valley Arts Center is looking for volunteers on Saturdays to greet visitors and acquaint them with the exhibits, as well as answer phones and other tasks. Call the arts center at 541-672-2532 or Sam at 541-492-3917. The Douglas County Library wants volunteers to cover new books with mylar plastic on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday for two-hour shifts. Please call Francesca at 541-4404314 or Sam at 541-492-3917. Wildlife Safari can use help maintaining the grounds, mowing, taking care of weeds, planting and assisting in the greenhouse. Volunteer engineers are needed to drive the train. Helpers also are needed for the petting zoo or maintaining exhibits. Volunteers choose the day and time. Call Larry at 541-679-6761, ext. 210, or Sam at 541-492-3917. Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is looking for a clinic assistant technician from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays or Thursdays. Duties include prepping for surgery, assisting the doctor and recovery needs. A front office person to greet clients, answer phones, and other duties is also needed. To learn more, call Amy at 541673-3907 or Sam at 541-492-3917. Boy Scout Troops need your help to coordinate and facilitate duties of parents and other volunteers under the direction of the Scoutmaster or district leader. Commitment requires one meeting per week from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, call Sam at 541-492-3917.
Senior Times Published by The News-Review 345 N.E. Winchester St. Roseburg, Oregon 97470 Phone: 541-672-3321
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541-492-3917. UCAN needs helpers to coach clients with recovery, including personal finance, classes on cooking and nutrition, housekeeping responsibilities, as well as transporting clients who need food boxes and assisting on the MOVES van. Call Sam at 541492-3917. UCAN Food Bank is looking for volunteers to pick up supplies from donors, drive the food bank truck, or put orders together for distribution in the warehouse. Call Jeanine at 541492-3524 or Sam at 541-492-3917. Family Care Giver Support Program is offering a two-day training workshop to certify class leaders in the Powerful Tools for Caregiving. Certified volunteers teach those skills to family caregivers in four-hour classes, one day a week for six weeks. Also needed are people who can help once a month with the newsletter for four hours. If either opportunity is for you, call Nancy at 541-440-3677 or Sam at 541-4923917. Umpqua Valley Rehab and Care Center is looking for someone to lead a ceramics workshop for the residents any day or time. The center also seeks a man who can relate to the interests of the male residents and would like to visit with them. For more information, call Gina at 541- 464-7108 or Sam at 541-492-3917. Douglas County Cancer Services wants volunteers to greet the patients and help them with financial and personal needs. Call Dodie at 541-4591512 or Sam at 541-492-3917. Mercy Medical Center needs helpers for patients and visitors to the Emergency Room, as well as volunteers to escort patients to their cars or pushing their wheelchairs. Shifts are any day of the week in the following shifts: noon to 4 p.m.; 4 to 8 p.m.; 8 p.m. to midnight. Call Mercy Medical Center at 541-677-4465 or Sam at 541-492-3917 for more information.
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Senior Times Editor: Bill Duncan Design Editor: Julie K. Byrd-Jenkins News-Review Editor: Vicki Menard Advertising Director: Pat Bridges
All contents copyrighted and may not be reproduced without consent of The News-Review. The Senior Times appears the first Monday of each month. Email correspondence regarding this publication may be sent to bduncan@nrtoday.com.
ON THE COVER: U.S. Navy and Marine Corps veteran Burt Ellis is seen recently at his Roseburg home. MICHAEL SULLIVAN/The News-Review
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Early elocution lessons had one child heard as well as seen
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gradually became longer. n addition to attending third grade in My way to combat the mental stress of 1927, l was also enrolled in a private elocution class on Saturday mornings. I memorizing was to crawl around and don’t think it was because my pronunciaunder two side-by-side dining room chairs tion was difficult to underwhile mother fed me a line stand. I think it was because a and I repeated it. Speaking pleasant lady at church decidclearly with feeling would ed to use her talent and light develop later. a spark of interest in some of Those weeks of toil finally us young daughters of the ended with our performance members so that we could of reciting our individual learn to talk with clarity. verses into a local college The middle-aged woman, radio microphone during a Mrs. Butler, often gave enterprogram one evening. My Memory Moments taining readings at the Ladies grandfather reported he Aid Society. The readings heard mostly static and my effort was not consisted of a two-character playlet, memheard around the world. orized and presented to the female audiNowadays I am aware of how much ence using voice changes to portray the energy it takes to listen to a movie or telecharacters. vision conversations that are not clear to When I attended a meeting with my my aging ears. I would like to shout out, mother, I felt embarrassed to see and hear “Speak up, slow down or repeat those mutMrs. Butler pretend to be someone other tered words.” To acquire patience, maybe I than herself. Soon I was drawn into the should realize most people were not story plot while the audience was pushed to attend an elocution class as I enthralled with her enactment. Consewas. quently, a group of us girls were given short poems to memorize. In each class we Laura Kruse shares her memories with tried to speak these words using expresthe readers of The Senior Times. sion to satisfy the teacher. The selections
Laura Kruse
SENIOR SHORTS Driver safety classes set
The Douglas County AARP Driver Safety Program in November is offering three two-day classes and an all-day session in Douglas County. In celebration of Veterans Day, the program is offering free classes all month to active-duty servicemen and women, veterans and spouses, according to Pete Benham, district coordinator. For more information, call Benham at 541-672-1016. A class will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 in Room 4 at Oakland City Hall, 637 Locust St. Bette Keehley will be the instructor. Call 541-679-9571 to register. A class will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 17 at Mercy Community Education Center, 2459 Stewart Parkway, Roseburg. Call 541-679-9571 to register for the class. A class will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 at Linus Oaks, 2665 Van Pelt Blvd., Roseburg. The instructor will be Charlotte Newkirk. Call 541-677-4800 to register. An all-day class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Tri City Church of Christ, 180 Briggs Drive, Myrtle Creek. Dean Kenyon will be the instructor. Participants are to bring a sack lunch. Call 541-
679-9571 to register. The driver safety course is designed for drivers aged 50 and older; however, younger individuals may also take the course. You do not need to be a member of AARP to take the course. Cost is $14 for each participant. AARP members will receive a $2 discount. Oregon law requires all auto insurance carriers to offer a discount on premiums to qualified graduates, aged 55 and older, of approved courses such as the AARP Driver Safety Program. To graduate, a participant must attend both four-hour classes for the two-day classes and the full eight hours for the all-day class.
Family caregivers meetings planned
Three Family Caregiver Support Group meetings will be held in November at various Douglas County locations. For more information, contact Nancy Hudson at 541440-3677. The Sutherlin Family Caregivers Support Group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Sutherlin Community Center, 150 S. Willamette St. The South County Family Caregiver Support Group will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in the chapel at Forest Glen Senior Residence, 200 S.W. Frontage Road, Canyonville. The Winston Family Caregivers Support Group will meet 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Winston Community Center, Woolley Board Room, 440 Grape Street.
Roseburg Oregon, Page 5
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Page 6–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Certain age-appropriate Giving and receiving care behavior keeps us going is a universal experience
T
most part. It is estimated that today, some his year, some two and a half mil83 percent of us driving or riding around lion Americans in a car are using seat belts. will die. For the Not a perfect number, but most part, we will succertainly a whopping cumb to what are called improvement over the 15 “natural” causes, meanpercent usage estimated just ing from diseases rather 30 years ago. than from accidents or Lung cancer takes more from being killed by othlives than breast, prostate, ers or from taking our and colon cancer combined. own lives. Overall, the Number one risk factor for natural causes of heart Nurse News lung cancer? No surprise, disease and cancer will smoking. And we seem to take almost 60 percent of have gotten that message to us. some degree since 1954, when it was If we look at these statistics more estimated that 45 percent of Americans closely and break them down by age, we find that the causes of our demise change smoked. Today, it is down to 21 percent. As for heart disease, which is our as we grow older. greatest enemy, both overall and for From the time we pass our first birththose older than 65, we can stop patting days until we are in our mid-thirties, we ourselves on the back for doing such a die more often from accidents than from great job at prevention because the any other cause. The majority of these behavioral risk factors for heart disease involve motor vehicles. after smoking are diet, physical inactiviThereafter, and for the next 30 years, ty, and obesity. You have to be living on there’s a shift. Accidental death numbers Mars to not know how we are doing in of all kinds drop and cancer (lung, those areas. prostate/breast, and colon in that order) While everything we do to stay alive is and then heart disease take over the top worthy to some degree, don’t you wontwo positions. der — as we wipe down the shopping At age 65 and from then on, heart discart handles with the disinfectant wipes ease and cancer change places, and heart disease becomes the number one threat to and grab paper towels to protect our hands from the public bathroom doorour mortality. knobs and we attach water filters to our So what does all this mean in terms of faucets and worry about some exotic and what kind of efforts we put forth to stay even mad cow disease — are we really alive? going after what matters, or are we just It would seem that if we accept what exhausting ourselves? the experts say, the use of seat belts and restraints cuts the risk of car accident Gloria May is a registered nurse with a deaths in half. That’s a behavior that all of us, but particularly those younger than master’s degree in health education. She also holds a certified health education the mid-30s, needs to embrace. And we specialist designation. seem to have gotten that message for the
Gloria May
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NANCY HUDSON For The Senior Times
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ormer first lady Rosalynn Carter once said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world — those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” This startling statement may be a revelation to some, but to others it is a reality. Author Beverly Bigtree Murphy, who cared for her husband when he had Alzheimer’s disease, has written “the great reality of life” is that “we are all going to die someday, and although the vast majority of us would choose to die in our sleep, without pain, with our family relationships intact, our cognitive functions in order, and able to wipe our own bottoms, the fact is few of us will have that sort of death.” The question is, who, exactly, is going to provide this nurturing care? Certainly care comes to us in the form of doctors, nurses, child care workers, social workers, home care workers, psychologists, and members of the clergy. Suzanne Mintz, president and CEO of the National Family Caregivers Association, asks, however, that although these people provide care, are they really caregivers? She states that “family” caregivers are those individuals who provide care to a loved one who is chronically ill or disabled. She says further that “family caregiver” is really an umbrella term that includes close friends, neighbors and part-
SENIOR SHORTS Lifetime passes offered at parks
Lifetime passes to America’s national parks for senior citizens and Americans with disabilities are now available through the mail, according to National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “National parks have much to offer,” Jarvis said. “They are places to share with children, grandchildren, and other family members. They facilitate recreation and healthy living. Many parks, including Yellowstone, Shenandoah, and Denali, have trails that are accessible to people with limited mobility and to wheelchair users. We also have many accessible camping and picnic areas.” The Senior and Access passes provide admission to, and use of, federal recreation
ners, anyone who has an emotional attachment to the care recipient and who acts like family. In other words, family caregivers are nurturers —those people who, through a bond of love, provide a safe and caring environment for the person in need. National Family Caregivers Month, observed every November, is a nationally recognized time to focus attention to the more than 65 million family caregivers who provide 80 percent of our nation’s long-term care services. Family caregivers now provide more than $375 billion annually in free caregiving services. The fact is caregivers need all the help they can get. As you consider ways to help the caregiver you know, keep in mind that some may have a difficult time accepting help, mistakenly believing they should do everything themselves. When you contact a caregiver with your offer of help, be specific. Barry Petersen, correspondent with CBS News and caregiver for his wife, explains that people in a caregiving situation sometimes lose themselves. “So if you call them up and say, ‘Can I help?’, their answer is going to be, ‘No, I am fine.’ Call them up and say, ‘I am bringing dinner on Thursday night, or I’ll stay with your loved one, you go to a movie,’ ” Barry said. Sometimes just sending a card or making a phone call to check in on a caregiver helps them know they are not all alone. Of course, a personal visit is even better. Nancy Hudson is the Douglas County Family Caregiver Support coordinator.
sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees. Pass users also receive a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees for activities such as camping and launching a boat. They are available to citizens and permanent residents of the United States age 62 or older or who have permanent disabilities regardless of age. The Senior and Access versions of the America the Beautiful Pass — the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass — are good for a lifetime. The Access pass is free and the Senior pass is $10. There is a $10 processing fee to receive either pass by the mail. To get a Senior pass through the mail, submit a completed application, proof of residency and age, and $20. The fee covers the cost of the pass and a document processing fee. You can print an application from this web site: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html. The pass will be mailed once the application package is received and the documentation verified.
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Page 7
It’s best to stay calm even when TSA agents are not
T
he USA Today cover story in one of its October editions had this headline: “In Boston, airport security now begins with a ‘chat.’” The pros and cons of potentially new and controversial screenings at U.S. airports are being evaluated. I thought I had better write my thoughts on the subject Around the World before my phone starts ringing with questions from fellow travelers. What do I think? I am fine with it. I am a little concerned, however, about the man who is training the TSA. That’s Rafi Ron, former director of security at Israel’s international airport near Tel Aviv. I reflect on my trip to Tel Aviv several years ago. I was traveling with my daughter, Hilary, who was at the time living in Cairo and studying Arabic. When security personnel took one look at her passport full of Arabic country stamps, she and I were literally hauled out of line, separated from each other and each assigned an interrogator. The questions were not asked politely; in fact, they were screamed: “Why are you traveling with only one backpack?” “How can you afford to travel such a long distance from your home?” “Why are you two women traveling alone?” Every reply either of us made resulted in a longer list of questions. Our separate interrogators would occasionally contact each other to compare our answers, then return to ask us even more questions. After one hour of intense questioning, we were each ushered to individual booths and assigned female searchers who asked us to disrobe. Yes, we were strip-searched. When no contraband was found, we were
Gloria Johnson
strip-searched and on another enthusiastically patted down in the Frankfurt airport. The TSA agents at Amsterdam’s airport do a thorough “chatdown.” While they are very serious about their questions, they are respectful. In fact, on my last transfer through Amsterdam, the female TSA agent was so enchanted by the The Associated Press fact I had been travAirport security, while sometimes an inconvenience, is best eling in Europe for a month and was carapproached in a calm manner. rying only one backallowed to dress, and once again interropack with no luggage checked, she called gated for another hour with a final, in-myher fellow agents over. They lightheartedly face shout, “You do understand planes do quizzed me about how to travel light and get bombed.” asked if I could stay in Amsterdam a few Hilary and I were allowed to board El Al days to give them lessons. Airlines for our flight back to Cairo, but I enjoy chatting with people, so if a TSA not allowed to sit next to each other. Duragent wants to talk, bring it on, I am ready. ing the flight, the attendants watched us But I hope that while the Boston airport very closely. officials get their training from Mr. Ron, Because Hilary and I are both seasoned they will also take a lesson from the travelers, we remained calm and gave corPhoenix airport TSA agents. They are very rect answers. Because our answers were true, when the interrogators compared notes, they received the same responses from both of us. Even when they were shouting at us, we remained pleasant. Nonetheless, it wasn’t a fun experience, and I can only imagine how a lesser-expePremium rienced traveler would cope with such verDenture bal abuse. I hope the training that the TSA receives from Mr. Ron will be conducted in a more appropriate manner. Many European airports have done “chat downs” for quite a while. My husband Premium recalls being treated poorly in a Paris airPartial port. The agent got right in his face and demanded how he got to Paris, how long he had been there and why he could speak French so well. On one occasion I was
polite, helpful and kind. I am perfectly fine with full-body scanning. I have had it done, and it doesn’t hurt. I don’t mind taking off my shoes. I am not crazy about my carry-on bag being searched only because the searchers rarely put things back, and I like my things in my bag in an orderly fashion, but I can live with it. In all my travels, I have found that most people in the world are nice people. But because of the terrorist threat and as a frequent flyer, I appreciate all safety precautions. So if you find yourself chatted, patted, stripped or scanned, try not to take any of it personally. The agents don’t care what the answers to the questions are; in fact, you can refuse to answer at all and still get to travel. They are looking for behavioral clues, deception and hostility. Really, it is in our best interest to be polite, even if the agents might not be. Travel, especially air travel these days, isn’t easy. As I always say, if you want everything to be perfect, you should stay home. Gloria Johnson is a tour conductor and world traveler. Her next group trip is to New York City from May 28 to June 3. She can be reached at gloriousideas@hotmail.com for details of the trip.
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Page 8–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Many boomers expect to retire where they are WASHINGTON (AP) — Many baby boomers say they’re likely to stay put in retirement amid a shaky economy. Those who hope to buy a new place are looking for a smaller home somewhere with a better climate that’s more affordable and close to family, a new poll finds. The 77 million-strong generation born between 1946 and 1964 is increasingly worried about retirement and their finances in light of the economic crisis of the past three years. Just 9 percent say they are strongly convinced they’ll be able to live comfortably when they retire, according to the Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com poll. Shelley Wernholm, a 47-year-old single mother of two who works for a health insurance company in Cleveland, said she wanted to retire and move to a new home by 60. But her pension was eliminated five years ago, her personal investments tanked during the recession and her home of 21 years has lost more than half its value. “I was hoping I’d be moving to a beach somewhere, anywhere, preferably a warm one,” Wernholm said. “But I’m not moving. I can’t. It’s hard to remain optimistic.” Overall, about 6 in 10 baby boomers say their workplace retirement plans, personal investments or real estate lost value during the economic downturn. Of this group, 53 percent say they’ll have to delay retirement because their nest eggs shrank.
Pamela Blackburn and her husband, Charles, stroll past their home in Danville, Ky. Financial experts say those losses, including home prices that have dropped by a third nationwide over the past four
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years, have left boomers anxious about moving and selling their homes. “There’s a mistrust of the real estate market that we didn’t have before,” said Barbara Corcoran, a New York-based real estate consultant. “There’s a concern about whether people will get money out of their house. They envision the home as a problem, not an asset, and this unshakable belief in homes as a tool for retirement has been shaken to the core.” Fifty-two percent of boomers say they are unlikely to move someplace new in retirement, unchanged from March. And 4 in 10 say they are very likely to stay in their current home throughout their retirement. Older boomers are more apt to say they’re already settled in for their golden years; 48 percent say it’s extremely or very likely they’ll stay in the home they live in now throughout their retirement, compared with 35 percent among younger boomers. Those who’ve lived in their current home for 20 or more years are also more likely to say they’ll stay. Midwestern and rural baby boomers are more inclined to stay put, too. Not surprisingly, higher-earning boomers who make more than $100,000 a year are more likely to buy a new home during retirement. Overall, boomers are just as likely to say they expect to buy as rent their retirement home: About 3 in 10 say it’s at least somewhat likely they will buy, and about as many expect to rent. Why buy a new home? About 4 in 10 of those who say it’s likely they’ll buy a new home would prefer a smaller one. Other
important considerations include a different, and perhaps warmer, climate (30 percent); a more affordable home (25 percent); and being closer to family (15 percent). Just 8 percent of those surveyed are looking for a larger home and only 10 percent are searching for a city with more services. John Fortune, a 60year-old small business owner in Scotch Plains, N.J., outside Newark, said he’d ideally like to move in his retirement years. But he’s unsure about the future and whether he’ll have any money left over after putting three kids through colThe Associated Press lege. “I don’t expect to fully retire,” said Fortune, who runs a business that sharpens knives, tools and other cutlery. “It just depends on what happens to the economy. I’d like to find someplace that is warmer and doesn’t have the high taxes but we’ll just have to see.” Regardless of whether they are likely to move, boomers’ top priorities for their retirement home is to be near their children (50 percent), not have any stairs (46 percent), and close to medical care (39 percent) and shops and services (38 percent). Mothers were far more likely than fathers to say that living near their children was an important consideration in planning retirement housing. When those kids have left the nest, baby boomer parents are most likely to turn their children’s rooms into new guest bedrooms — perhaps because 3 out of 4 say they would prefer visiting friends and family stay with them instead of at a hotel. Many boomers are saying they’ll keep working during retirement: a total of 73 percent in the new poll, compared with 67 percent in March. That’s more than in any other generation. Sherry Wise, a 53-year-old agricultural economist in Lorton, Va., a suburb of Washington, said she is worried she will have to work well into her 60s and beyond in order to continue paying her mortgage, keep up an investment property in New Mexico and look after her two daughters. “The one thing I know is that you can’t count on anything anymore. This economy has gotten so screwed up,” Wise said. “We’re just going to try to earn as much money as possible.”
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Page 9
A dressing recipe that could start a Thanksgiving tradition
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to holidays. In addition to starting on the ear Reader, table decorations, I’ve started planning my My grandson, Paul, and I have been making five-finger turkeys for menu, too. Cooking for a holiday. All of our Thanksgiving table. Each turkey has a our family is getting together, including space in the middle to put a my husband’s brother, Jim, name. I’ll be using them who’s flying in from New for place cards at the table. York. Paul patiently holds his So the sooner I begin planhand still on the paper ning, the longer I have to while I trace an outline. savor and anticipate the big Then he adorns the fingers day. with feathers, an eye that I will be using my very spejiggles or winks on the top Suzanne Beecher cial recipe for Crock Pot of the thumb (feather), adds Commentary Dressing as part of the famisome extra design with ly’s traditional Thanksgiving crayons, and voila! — a dinner. turkey ready to strut its stuff at the table. Here is my recipe: I’m an advance planner when it comes
‘Tiger’ always ready to turn over new leaf
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autumn, when Hugo was raking up the he News-Review discontinued one leaves. Halfway between his house and the of my favorite cartoon strips, neighbor stood a tall tree. The tree was on “Tiger,” drawn by Bud Blake and Hugo’s side of the propfeaturing a scrappy group of erty, but its limbs spread neighborhood pals, a mix of over into the property boys and girls. I enjoyed that next door. The girl next comic strip. It was about six door stood on the fence typical pals and Stripe, Tiger’s that separated the two faithful, lazy, ever-present spotyards. In a snooty tone ted mutt. of voice she shouted: The characters were Tiger, “When you get done his younger brother, Punkinhead Ronald Culbertson there, come over here and and Hugo, Tiger’s redheaded Musings rake up the leaves.” best friend, and Julian, the Hugo replied: bespectacled neighborhood “I will, when you give bookworm. And who could forback the shade you had get Bonnie, the pushy, wisecracking girl all year.” and soft-spoken Suzy with her black leoI laughed so hard that the tears rolled tards and white Mary Jane shoes. down my cheeks. I clipped the cartoon out Blake died at age 85 in 2005, but the of The News-Review and I still have it. comic strip continued with reprints from old cartoon strips. Eventually The NewsRonald K. Culbertson, the retired CEO Review dropped the strip and I had to do of Umpqua Bank, shares his musings with without my favorite character, Tiger. the readers of The Senior Times. The cartoon I cherished most was about
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Crock Pot Dressing 1 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped celery 1/4 cup parsley (fresh or dried) 2 cups canned mushrooms, drained 2 eggs, beaten 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups chicken broth (or enough to moisten well) 13 cups cubed dry bread 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons sage 1 teaspoons thyme 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon marjoram Melt butter or margarine in large frying pan and sauté onion and celery until soft.
SENIOR SHORTS Support groups set for bereaved A Bereavement Support Group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Main Building at Linus Oakes, 2665 N.W. Van Pelt, Roseburg. The support
Mix with remaining ingredients and toss well. Place in large crock pot. Cover. Cook on high for 45 minutes, then turn to low and continue cooking for six to eight hours. It’s great and never dry. Thanks for reading with me. It’s so good to read with friends. Suzanne Beecher provides the online book club for the Douglas County Library sponsored by The Senior Times in cooperation with the Friends of the Library. Nationwide the book club has 350,000 members. To learn more about the book club contact Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com or the library branch nearest you. group will also meet on Nov. 22 at the same time and location. Call 541-6772384 for more information. A support group luncheon is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Karen’s Coffee Cup, 2445 N.E. Diamond Lake Blvd., Roseburg. Call 541-677-2384 for more information. An ongoing grief support group meets from 10 to 11:30 p.m. each Monday in Conference Room C, Mercy Medical Center, 2700 Stewart Parkway, Roseburg. Call 541-677-4810 for more information.
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Page 10–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Nutritious kale’s distinctive taste can be enhanced
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ven though it is one of the most nutritious vegetables with powerful antioxidants, most people don’t regularly eat kale. Perhaps that’s because of kale’s rather distinct flavor (it is, after all, a member of the cabbage family) or just because it is green. The extraordinary nutrient densiNancy ty puts kale at Goodale-Graham the top of the Nutrition list of most recommended vegetables. Kale is high in beta carotene, absorbable calcium, vitamins C and B6, potassium and manganese, as well as folic acid. It is also available almost year-round, as it is a hardy plant that will keep producing new leaves far into the winter. Some think that kale tastes best in winter after frosts have encouraged the leaves to produce more sugars. One easy and delicious way to prepare
kale is by braising it with garlic and onion. Just sauté a couple of chopped garlic cloves and half an onion in a little olive oil until the onion is soft and caramelized. While the garlic and onion are cooking, rinse the kale to remove the bits of dirt. Then
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remove the tough center stem either with a sharp knife, or by pulling the stem. The kale leaf should come off with little effort. Roughly chop the kale, then add handfuls to the skillet of sautéed onion to finish braising. The bits of water left on the kale is enough to braise the kale. Add a pinch of
salt and some red pepper flakes, if you like. A splash of balsamic vinegar is also a nice touch. Any leftover cooked kale can be added to mashed potatoes, included in an omelet, or added to a bean soup. Another, more interesting, way to prepare kale is to make kale chips. This is even easier than skillet braising kale. I’ve found that substituting Swiss chard for the kale also works nicely. Enjoy! Nancy Goodale Graham is a registered dietitian at Cardiovascular Wellness and Rehabilitation at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield.
Kale Chips 1 bunch (4 to 5 cups) kale 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 (or less) teaspoon red pepper flakes Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. With a sharp knife, remove the stem of the kale leaf. Wash the leaves, then dry thoroughly. The drying can be easily done in a salad spinner. Stack the dried leaves and cut them into pieces about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. You can transfer the leaves to a medium mixing bowl or just pile them onto a large baking sheet. Add the olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes, if desired. With your hands, toss the leaves to coat with the oil and seasonings. The leaves should glisten a bit. Place the kale in a single layer on the baking sheet, giving the leaves plenty of room to roast. Cook for eight to 10 minutes, or until crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and enjoy.
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donation, such an amendment to a will can ne of my recent articles addressed be accomplished through the use of a codithe situation that arises when a gift cil. under a will is to go to a certain Another example of a situation where a charitable entity, such as a local religious school, and that school is closed or no codicil could be used would be to attach a longer exists after the condition on a particular death of the donor. In devisee’s inheritance, a condisuch a situation, a court tion under which unpaid loans may direct a different from the decedent to that vesting of such legacy, devisee be deducted from that unless the donor has devisee’s inheritance. A specified an alternative devisee is someone named as a recipient in such event. beneficiary in a will. Codicils What would be are also often used to change a involved in changing a representative named in a will, Elder Law person’s will to specify such as when the original repthat a donation would go resentative has passed away or to a particular charitable become incapacitated. organization? Codicils can be prepared more than once This can be easily accomplished through for the same will and are typically referred preparation of a codicil to the person’s to as “first codicil,” “second codicil,” etc. existing will. A codicil is an addition to or However, if too many different clauses of a qualification of a person’s last will and a will become encumbered by codicils, the testament. A codicil typically adds to or will becomes confusing and unwieldy. At amends one or two limited portions of an that point it is usually more efficient to do existing will. In Oregon a codicil must be a new will. executed and witnessed with the same formalities as a will. However, in many cases, Bruce R. Coalwell is a Roseburg attorit is a quicker and cheaper alternative than ney who writes about elder law for The redrafting a person’s entire will. Senior Times. In the case of providing for a charitable
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Page 11
Do your homework before leaving for field research
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murder mystery. Often it is the little clue nline genealogical research is fun found that fills in the blank. Never assume and often rewarding, but there is you have all the facts with the nothing that comfirst, second or maybe even pares with personally third go-around. spending time in your This is especially true when ancestors’ backyard. spending time in a historical Recently my son, Ken, society. They are wonderful visited the town where his places full of intrigue, and great-great-grandfather they are constantly adding to had lived. their collections. Most of them While at that stop, my Beverly Wellington do not have their holdings grandson, Paul, called to Family Tree online thus their records are ask for some family infornot available unless you actualmation. He said the family ly pay a visit. This method of research is was in the Bitterroot Genealogical Society different from an online experience. in Hamilton, Mont., and had found the Knowing your ancestors lived in the same newspaper obituary of my great-uncle, area often gives a surreal feeling. You can Frank. From that source I discovered a almost feel their presence. missing fact in my own research — the A historical society is a place that gathname of Frank’s wife. This is an important lesson in genealogi- ers and houses information of a local nature. Newspapers, photos, school, milical research. Genealogy is like solving a
tary and cemetery records can be found there. Biographies, naturalization requests and more are collected and stored there also. Anything relating to the history of the area is preserved. Local history books are usually available to view, if not to buy. And there are people who know the area and can offer tidbits of information not available in any other way. Most societies must have income in order to keep their doors open, so there are charges for services. The personal are usually very helpful, but the legwork is yours. Actually it is more fun that way and you may spot information they may have missed. No one knows what you are looking for better than you. If you plan to travel to an area where your ancestors lived, you will want to do some homework. First, does the area have a historical society? Cyndislist.com has quite a few listed. Go to the site, choose
Moving can be a daunting adventure for children
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schools they don’t want to leave, familiar faces and familiar places. Reading the book about Marilyn will give children an insight that can be helpful if they too are moving. The book takes the reader through all the stages a child feels — anger, objection, and general opposition. The illustrations, done by the author, are delightful, with bright colors and cartoon characters. The books ends on a happy note that children will approve. Irene Agapion-Palamaris is a real estate broker who sees life in cartoon form. Over the last 22 years, she has assisted in the relocation of thousands of families. In addition to being a housing advocate, she and her husband, George, support many children’s organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to Habitat for Humanity.
arilyn is Moving” is a story about a little girl who is moving, a learning subject for
children in this mobile society. I read this book to my great-granddaughter, Neilsenna, who likes to travel. When Reading Grandma she listened to the adventures of Marilyn, she thought it must be exciting to have so many different places to choose when you are buying a new house. However, Neilsenna would rather visit and then return home. At first Marilyn objected to moving and leaving her friends behind. She argued, saying she didn’t want to move. Marilyn became melancholy and cried and cried over the prospect of change. She loved living in her Cape Cod home with a white side porch swing. But Marilyn soon learned that when your home is sold, you can’t change anything and you must go along with the plan. Her mom persuaded her it would be exciting and fun. Finally, Marilyn liked the idea and began looking and searching for a new home with her parents. There were places by the sea called bungalows. They looked at a duplex, but the neighbors next door played music and the drumbeats actually shook the floor. Her dad liked a log cabin nestled deeply in the woods. But Marilyn and Mom wanted to look some more. Mom fell in love with a beautiful two-story Tudor. Dad and Marilyn thought the house didn’t suit their fancy. Marilyn wanted a candy-covered
Della Neavoll
‘Marilyn is Moving’ Written and illustrated by Irene Agapion-Palamaris AuthorHouse Publishers Paperback $19.99. house of gingerbread. Sometimes she even mentioned living in a shoe. This search could go on forever, and the family had to decide what to do. Their adventure took them to a downtown location, but Marilyn rejected the idea because it would mean she’d be in a different school. They all thought that a Victorian-style house Marilyn’s Mom loved would be quite nice. Oh, where, oh where, will Marilyn’s new home be? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Children have special friends and
Della Neavoll is the Reading Grandma who reviews children’s books.
categories, scroll down and click on “societies & groups,” then choose the town of interest from an alphabetical list. From there, you will find the website for that town’s society. Be sure to note the address, directions, phone number or name of contact person and take it all with you. And, of course, take what you know about the person from whom you are seeking more information. Computer genealogy programs, laptops and zip drives make this easy to do. Be prepared to share the information you have gathered with the historical society you visit. Maybe you will leave some clues to someone else’s family history. • Beverly Wellington is director of the Roseburg Family History Center. For more information about the Family History Center, call 541-672-1237.
Medicare prescription savings pass $1B mark WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare says seniors with high prescription costs have saved more than $1 billion thanks to the new health care law. President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul provides Medicare recipients in the coverage gap called the “doughnut hole” with a 50 percent discount on brandname drugs this year, and a smaller break on generics. The discounts gradually increase until the coverage gap closes in 2020. Officials said Friday about 2 million people with Medicare saved more than $1.2 billion on prescriptions through the end of September, averaging $550 per person. The biggest category accounting for the savings was diabetes medications. Cholesterol drugs and medications for asthma and other lung diseases came next. Next year, seniors will get the same 50 percent discount on brand drugs, and a bigger one on generics.
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Christmas Show Hundreds of Handmade Crafts, Art & Specialty Items! Many One-of-a-Kind Items Made by Crafters & Artists!
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Page 12–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Boomers’ aging drawing attention to geriatrics shortage PALATKA, Fla. (AP) — In this sleepy, riverside town in northeast Florida, 86year-old Betty Wills sees the advertisements of obstetricians and gynecologists on the main road’s billboards and has found specialists ranging from cardiologists to surgeons in the phone book. But there’s not a single geriatrician — a doctor who specializes in treating the elderly — in all of Putnam County, where a fifth of the county’s 74,000 people are seniors. “I looked,” Wills said. “I didn’t find one.” It’s a nationwide shortage and it’s going to get worse as the 70 million members of the baby-boom generation — those now 46 to 65 — reach their senior years over the next few decades. The American Geriatrics Society says today there’s roughly one geriatrician for every 2,600 people 75 and older. Without a drastic change in the number of doctors choosing the specialty, the ratio is projected to fall to one geriatrician for every 3,800 older Americans by 2030. Compare that to pediatricians: there is about 1 for every 1,300 Americans under 18. Geriatricians, at their best, are medicine’s unsung heroes. They understand how an older person’s body and mind work differently. They listen more but are paid less than their peers. They have the skills to alleviate their patients’ ailments and living
The Associated Press
Dr. Brian Kiedrowski, right, walks with patient Victoria Cohen, 100, in Miami. fuller, more satisfied lives. Though not every senior needs a geriatrician, their training often makes them the best equipped to respond when an older patient has multiple medical problems. Geriatricians have expertise in areas that general internists don’t, including the changes in cognitive ability, mood, gait, balance and continence, as well as the
effects of drugs on older individuals. But with few doctors drawn to the field and some fleeing it, the disparity between the number of geriatricians and the population it serves is destined to grow even starker. “We’re an endangered species,” said Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, a renowned geriatrician at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Geriatricians rank among the lowest-paid medical specialties, with a median salary of $183,523 last year, according to the Medical Group Management Association, which tracks physician pay. That sounds like a lot, but many other specialties pay two or three times more, while the average doctor graduates with $160,000 in student loan debt. Just 56 percent of first-year fellowship slots in geriatrics were filled last academic year, according to a University of Cincinnati study, while the number physicians on staff at U.S. medical schools’ geriatric programs has generally been trending downward. Many young doctors aren’t receiving even basic training in caring for older patients. Only 56 percent of medical students had clinical rotations in geriatrics in 2008, according to the study. Various efforts around the country have aimed to increase both those choosing the
geriatrics specialty and the level of training all doctors get in treating older patients. The federal health overhaul law also includes a number of provisions aimed at increasing geriatric care. Last year, under the law, 85 grants totaling $29.5 million funded a range of geriatrics training programs for doctors, dentists, mental health professionals and other medical workers. For now, though, the shortage continues. “The shifting demographics is causing other primary care physicians to focus more on frail older adults but they do not have the training or experience to manage complex older adults with multiple chronic diseases,” said Dr. Peter DeGolia, director of the Center for Geriatric Medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. Karen Roberto, director of the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech, said doctors who aren’t trained in geriatrics might have a tendency to discount an older person’s problems as normal symptoms of aging, when in fact they can be treated. She receives calls from people around the state looking for geriatricians, but oftentimes can’t offer a recommendation. “Going from specialist to specialist is not the answer,” she said. “Older adults need providers with comprehensive knowledge of their problems and concerns.”
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Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Cheer up, there are always people worse off than you
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Great Depression, Peter Filene wrote about t is easy to become absorbed in our problems, punishing or feeling sorry for a farm woman in Berea, N.C., who said they didn’t have money for stamps, so they ourselves. But what I find more often than not is there is always someone who is would put the letter in the mail box along with two eggs. That is when in a worse predicament. first-class postage was 3 And when you are at your cents. lowest, they tend to appear So yes, there is reason to with a healthy dose of perbe grateful and feel blessed spective. even in the worst of times. A case in point is my What impressed me the son’s experience a few most was that my son recogweeks ago. He, like many nized the blessing of family. Oregonians, has been out of work for more than a It is easy to overlook or take Wise Grandma year and a half, save for a for granted those we see seasonal job. He has every day or whom we applied to dozens of places, expect to always be there some more than once, been on several when we need them. interviews and job fairs. He does some Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night talk show computer technical work when he can find host, recently talked to kids about politics. it, he accompanies on the piano and other He asked the kids several questions about odd jobs to get by. It has been very disbeing president of the United States. He couraging and demoralizing. then asked them to which party they One day he gave a co-worker a lift home belonged. The number one answer was after one of his out-of-town jobs. The “family.” Jimmy chided the kids by telling woman was hoping they would make them he was a member of the Birthday enough in tips so she could buy her son a Party and they ate cake, but the kids birthday gift. They didn’t. She began to remained steadfast in their Family Party, tell my son the challenges of being a single despite the temptation of sugary treats. mom in this economy. She faced losing Kimmel also asked if the kids were everything if she didn’t find steady work unemployed. At first they were unclear soon. She cried as she told her story and about the meaning of the word, until Kimmy son listened, admittedly uncomfortable mel explained it meant they had no job. as most men are when a woman cries. He The response again was unwavering. didn’t really know the woman that well, “At home, I set the table for dinner,” and here she was pouring her heart out in said one little girl, and another quickly the front seat of his car. agreed. One little boy said he kept a small “Mom,” he told me, “It made me realize box of stuff that he and his sister collected. how really blessed I am.” The two sold the items in the box and then I found that odd since he is in a similar hid the money. All agreed that in one way situation. His daughter turned 2, and they or another, their job was helping the famiwere unable to afford a big birthday party ly. for her. His sister and I put together a cake Families come in all shapes and sizes. In and some balloons and made a very the broad sense, we are all family. Blessimpromptu party at Great-grandma’s ings also come in different forms: a deshouse. It was perfect for a 2-year-old. perate person who needs our help, setting I reminded him that his situation was not the table for dinner or stashing a little extra that different from the co-worker. He cash for a rainy day. Recognizing the looked at me and for the first time, I saw blessings of family can often be quite chalmy son as a man. lenging. When we sit down this Thanks“But I have family,” he said. giving, look around the table and see if During the Depression of the 1930s, you recognize any of your blessings. family life changed dramatically. Women That’s what a wise grandma would do. found it easier to find work than men. Families moved in together. Children Eularee Smith is the grandmother of six, worked. They would eat mashed potatoes a teacher and executive director a UpStart for breakfast and lard sandwiches with a Crow children’s therapy theater in Eugene. bit of sugar for lunch. In his essay on the
Eularee Smith
Roseburg Oregon, Page 13
SILENCE MAY BE GOLDEN, BUT NOT WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR ESTATE. You’re Invited... It’s a topic people tend to put off or ignore, but one of the most important things you can do is to develop a sound estate plan. Doing so lets you take a giant step toward a more secure future for yourself and generations to come. Attend our free Preparing Your Estate Plan seminar. You’ll learn more about: ■ ■ ■ ■
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Date: November 10, 2011 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Roseburg Country Club 5051 Garden Valley Road Roseburg, OR 97471 RSVP: Sue or Linda 541-957-5225 or email sue.perkins@edwardjones.com linda.mooney@edwardjones.com
Pam Speta, AAMS® Financial Advisor .
2510 NW Edenbower Blvd Ste 136 Roseburg, OR 97471 541-957-5225
www.edwardjones.com Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should contact a qualified tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
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Page 14–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
Assisted living options: What you need to know CHICAGO (AP) — Assisted living may be in your future. That may not be an ideal scenario for most retirees, given its association with a loss of independence. But it’s becoming reality for many as living in retirement for decades becomes more common. There are close to a million residents in some 38,000 assisted living facilities across the country, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. That population is expected to soar as the number of retired baby boomers continues to grow. But even before their own retirement, many boomers are having to deal with placing elderly parents in an assisted living or other type of care facility. That means it’s time to do some homework on this residential option — an intermediate step between independent living and nursing home care — and in many cases to cast aside preconceived ideas. “The name has a connotation of ‘I can’t live by myself any more,”’ says Ellen Eichelbaum, a Northport, N.Y.-based gerontologist whose company, The SpeakEasy Group, consults on aging issues. “But an assisted living facility provides a lot of the social and security issues that seniors are worried about.” It takes away the burden of having to care for your home and allows you to be part of a community, she says. And if you
don’t feel well, help is just a button away. “You can still be near your kids,” Eichelbaum says. “You can still go food shopping, you can go to the movies. You just won’t have the burden of your house.” Here are some things you should know about assisted living facilities.
ly include 24-hour emergency care, some medical services and help with medications, limited assistance with personal care, meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and recreational activities. Large facilities may have private apartments as well as shared and private rooms.
WHAT THEY ARE Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with some daily activities — anything from cooking to transportation to dressing and bathing. What they’re not is nursing homes that address major medical needs. They are designed to provide a home-like setting for residents who want to live independently with minimal assistance.
FIRST STEPS AARP suggests checking with a state or local agency on aging, the yellow pages, the Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, as well as with friends, neighbors and books on retirement. If looking on behalf of your parents, check your own local neighborhoods first. Most residents of assisted living facilities in urban areas who have children live within five to seven miles of them, according to Eichelbaum.
WHO LIVES THERE The average age of residents in assisted living facilities in 2009 was about 87, according to the National Center for Assisted Living, an organization representing long-term care providers. Three-quarters of the residents are female. They stay at the assisted living residence for an average of about 28 months, and the majority then move on to a nursing facility. SERVICES PROVIDED Services offered vary widely but typical-
FINANCES The cost of assisted living facilities varies greatly depending on size, location and services. The median rate for a private room is $3,261 a month, or just over $39,000 a year, according to Genworth Financial Inc., which compiles an annual costs survey among long-term care service providers. If you need a home health aide on top of that, the median cost nationwide is $19 an hour. Neither Medicare nor health insurance policies pay for assisted living. Medicaid covers only some services, and not in every facility or every state. Long-term care insurance may cover most of the costs, depending on your policy. But if you haven’t bought coverage well ahead of time, you may not be eligible and able to afford it. AARP says four out of five residents pay for assisted living out of pocket. Veter-
SENIOR SHORTS Pre-op classes scheduled A total hip replacement pre-operative education class will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Mercy Community Education Center, 2459 Stewart Parkway, Roseburg. Call 541-677-4546 to register and for more information. In addition, a class on the same topic meets from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the same location. Call 541-677-4546 for more information.
ans who need assistance can qualify for up to $1,949 a month if married, $1,644 if single or $1,055 for surviving spouses through the Aid and Attendance Pension. ALTERNATIVE OPTION There are three basic types of living options for seniors as they age: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. To avoid needing to move every time more assistance is needed, continuing care retirement communities are worth considering. They offer a variety of services for all three levels within one community. But this tiered approach is expensive. Entrance fees can range from $100,000 to $1 million, and monthly charges can range from $3,000 to $5,000, increasing as needs change. ADVANCE PREPARATIONS Do the research before you have an immediate need. Having an idea of the cost and availability of options in your community is essential. If local facilities aren’t appropriate or affordable, it may be worth considering relocating to a community with one that fits you or your parents better. It’s probably too late for your elderly parents to obtain long-term care insurance, but getting it for yourself in your 50s or early 60s is an important step to finance your own future care in an assisted living facility or elsewhere. Getting siblings to agree ahead of time to a plan for an aging parent and how to finance it is important too, says Amy Goyer, AARP’s family expert. “If you wait until the crisis time, often the burden just falls on who’s closest,” she says. “That can be much harder and unfair for some family members.”
Sleep apnea group gathers
A.W.A.K.E. , a sleep apnea support group, will hold its semiannual meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in Room 1 and 2 of Mercy Community Education Center, 2459 Stewart Parkway, Roseburg. Call 541-677-4314 for more information.
Blood pressure screening offered
The Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary provides free blood pressure screenings on the following days times and locations: • Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Roseburg Valley Mall • Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Douglas County Central Family YMCA • Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Walmart For more information, call 541-6774464.
Monday, November 7, 2011–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Page 15
Time for flu shots, and some may get a tiny needle WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s flu vaccine time again — and some lucky shot-seekers will find that the needle has shrunk. The first flu shot that works with a lessscary skin prick instead of an inch-long needle is hitting the market this fall. Sorry kids, this option so far is just for adults, and it’s so brand-new that it will take some searching to find a dose. But there are plenty of the other varieties — standard shots, a special high-dose shot for seniors and the needle-free squirt-inthe-nose option — to go around. At least 166 million doses of flu vaccine are expected to be produced this year. The big question is whether people will get it. Usually each year’s flu vaccine varies from the previous versions as different influenza strains emerge. This year, the vaccine’s a duplicate because the three flu strains that sickened people last winter still are circulating. Scientific studies aren’t clear about how much a person’s immunity wanes over a year, although it varies by age and overall health. But federal health officials and the American Academy of Pediatrics weighed the evidence and say don’t skip this year’s vaccination — it’s the only way to be sure your immune system remains revved enough for the best protection. “You’re not going to be able to count on that vaccine protecting you throughout a
sniffle, says Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University, president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. “You should be vaccinated each and every year to ensure both you’re protected and you’re giving the maximum protection to people around you,” he says. Here are some questions and answers about flu vaccinations: Q: How does the new skindeep vaccine work? The Associated Press A: Sanofi Pasteur’s Fluzone George Eberhardt, 107, of Chester, N.J., is given Intradermal uses a needle less his annual flu shot by nurse Bettie Donnelly in than a tenth of an inch long to inject vaccine just below the Mendham, N.J., last month. skin’s surface. This layer, called the dermis, is so rich in second season,” says Dr. Lisa Grohskopf of the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- a certain type of immune cell that the new shot uses a lower dose of the same vaccine vention. that’s in regular flu shots. Studies found it A yearly vaccination now is recomtriggered as much protection as fullmended for virtually everyone, except strength muscle shots — although it did babies younger than 6 months and people cause more skin reactions like redness, with severe allergies to the eggs used to swelling and itching. There’s little data on make it. Last year, 49 percent of children pain perception. and 41 percent of adults were vaccinated. But it’s only for 18- to 64-year-olds. It Say you never catch the flu? You could be a carrier, unknowingly spreading the hasn’t been studied in children’s more-tenmisery when you feel little more than a der skin. Sanofi estimates it will sell less
than 1 million doses this year while introducing the newly approved product to doctors, before a full market launch next flu season. Q: For older adults, does CDC recommend the high-dose shot? A: The immune system weakens with age so that it doesn’t respond as well to an ordinary flu shot. Sanofi’s Fluzone HighDose is a standard into-the-muscle shot but it contains four times the usual dose, to spur more immune response in people 65 and older. First sold last year, studies still are under way to track if that translates into fewer illnesses and hospitalizations. It can cause more of the typical flu-shot side effects. The CDC says it’s OK for seniors to choose either a high-dose shot or the regular shots from a variety of manufacturers. Q: Who’s at highest risk from the flu? A: Young children, anyone 50 or older, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as asthma and certain heart or kidney problems, and pregnant women. A flu vaccination during pregnancy has the added benefit of passing some protection to the baby. Q: When should I get vaccinated? A: Anytime, but it takes about two weeks for protection to kick in. Flu typically starts circulating around November, and peaks around January.
VETERANS DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST FRIDAY, NOV. 11TH, 7:30-9:30 AM Pancakes with bacon or sausage, juice and coffee FREE to Veterans, Local Firemen and Law Enforcement. Thank you for your service.
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT RIVERVIEW TERRACE!
1970 W. Harvard Ave • Roseburg 541-672-2500 www.riverviewterrace.com
Elegant Riverside Retirement Community
Page 16–The News-Review, Senior Times
Roseburg Oregon, Monday, November 7, 2011
“I’ve never seen a more skilled ophthalmologist than Dr.Weston.” Retired Roseburg ophthalmologist John Unruh was back in the operating room recently, this time as a patient of Dr. Jon-Marc Weston. “I’ve observed cataract procedures all over the world, and I’ve never seen a better surgeon,” Unruh said. “I now have perfect vision!” When asked about operating on Unruh, Weston said, “During his career, Unruh was the first in Oregon to perform
541.672.2020
modern cataract surgery.
2435 NW KLINE, ROSEBURG
It is now considered the standard of care, and it was an honor to restore his vision using the technology he pioneered.”
Douglas County’s Specialists in: • Cataracts • Glaucoma
• Macular Degeneration • Dry Eyes / Low Vision
Jon-Marc Weston, MD, FACS Steven Tronnes, OD, FAAO Medicare Assignment Accepted | Certified Ambulatory Surgical Facility