Caregiver Solutions 2021 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

2021

CAREGIVER SOLUTIONS A Resource Guide for Family Caregivers • Informative Articles • Directory of Providers • Support Services • Books and Resources

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caregiver solutions 2021 Publisher

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Editorial

Vice President & Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor Megan Joyce Contributing Writers Dr. Loretta T. Friedman Jim Miller Lisa M. Petsche Julie Potiker Teepa Snow Debara L. Tucci, M.D., M.S., M.B.A.

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Production Coordinator Lauren Phillips Production Artists Renee Petros

Dear Readers,

Thank you to all of the caregivers out there. This past year has certainly put even more stress and strain on you. Not only did you have to worry about yourself and possibly a spouse and children, but many also had the added anxiety of keeping older loved ones safe and healthy. Caregiver Solutions magazine offers information to help you along your caregiving journey. We broach topics that caregivers often deal with, including ways to keep an older loved one who is living alone safe; how to organize one’s personal affairs; financial matters and budgeting; and planning for emergencies. Many caregivers are looking for more information or to hear from others who have experienced what they are undergoing. Good Reads includes books, both in print and online, that can help. Must-reads are “Frequently Asked Questions” on p. 16 and “Caregiver Support Programs” on p. 19. “Frequently Asked Questions” answers the questions that you are asking (or don’t know to ask). “Caregiver Support Programs” points you in the direction of financial aid that you may be eligible for. Also included are the Directory of Housing and Care Providers and a Directory of Ancillary Services. You will want to check them out as they are communities, businesses, and organizations that have your best interest in mind and would like to speak with you about their services. The most important thing for all caregivers is to take time for themselves. You are probably familiar with the flight instructions of putting on your own oxygen mask before anyone else’s. It stands true for caregiving. If you don’t take care of yourself and destress and reenergize, it won’t be long before you experience burnout. If you are not a caregiver but know someone who is, be sure to help them. Sometimes you have to just do instead of asking if you can. Caregivers are known for not wanting to impose on others. Take care and be safe,

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Contents 4 How to Choose a Hospice Program

16 Frequently Asked Questions

6 Vitamin D, Aging, and COVID

18 Free Service is Available to Veterans

8 How to Choose a Medical Alert System

19 Caregiver Support Programs

9 Technology That Can Help You Locate

20 Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies

Things You Misplace

10 Build a Better Healthcare Budget 12 7 Ways of Helping a Person with Dementia Symptoms Feel Less Anxious

14 Cloth Face Coverings and Distancing Pose Communication Challenges for Many

On-Line Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604 717.285.1350 • fax 717.285.1360

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22 Exhaustion or Empathy Fatigue? 24 Organizing Your Personal Affairs 26 Good Reads 28 Directory of Housing & Care Providers 30 Directory of Ancillary Services 31 Support and Information

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How to Choose a Hospice Care Program By JIM MILLER

Where can I turn to find a good Medicare-covered hospice provider? My husband’s mother has a terminal condition and wants to die at home, if possible, so I’m helping out where I can. – Sad Sandy Dear Sandy, Hospice is a wonderful option in the last months of life because it offers a variety of services, not only to those who are dying, but also to those left behind. Here’s what you should know about hospice care, along with some tips to help you choose one. Understanding Hospice Hospice care is a unique service that provides medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support to people who are in the last stages of a terminal illness — it does not speed up or slow down the process of dying. Hospice’s goal is to simply 4

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keep the patient as comfortable and pain-free as possible, with loved ones nearby until death. The various services provided by a hospice program comes from a team of professionals who work together to accommodate all the patients’ end-of-life needs. The team typically includes hospice doctors who will work with the primary physician and family members to draft up a care plan; nurses who dispense medication for pain control; home care aides that attend to personal needs, like eating and bathing; social workers who help the patient and the family prepare for end of life; clergy members who provide spiritual counseling, if desired; and volunteers who fill a variety of niches, from sitting with the patient to helping clean and maintain their property. Some hospices even offer massage or music therapy, and nearly all provide bereavement services for relatives and short-term inpatient respite care to give family caregivers a break. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Most hospice patients receive care in their own home. However, hospice will go wherever the patient is — hospital, nursing home, or assisted living residence. Some local agencies have their own facility to use as an option. To receive hospice, your care recipient must get a referral from her physician stating that her life expectancy is six months or less. It’s also important to know that homebased hospice care does not mean that a hospice nurse or volunteer is in the home 24 hours a day. Services are based on need and/ or what you request. Hospice care can also be stopped at any time if the person’s health improves or if she decides to reenter cureoriented treatments. How to Choose The best time to prepare for hospice and consider your options is before it’s necessary, so you’re not making decisions during a stressful time. There are more than 4,300 hospice care agencies in the U.S., so depending on where you live, you may have several options from which to choose. To locate a provider, you can search online at medicare.gov/care-compare, which provides lists and ratings of hospice providers in your area. When choosing, look for an established hospice and one that is certified by Medicare. To help you select one, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offers a worksheet of questions to ask at caringinfo.org. Medicare Coverage Medicare covers all aspects of hospice care and services for its beneficiaries. There is no deductible for hospice services, although there may be a very small copayment — such as $5 for each prescription drug for pain and symptom control, or a 5% share for inpatient respite care. Medicaid also covers hospice in most states, as do most private health insurance plans. For more information, see the Medicare Hospice Benefits online booklet at medicare. gov/pubs/pdf/02154-medicare-hospicebenefits.pdf.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Vitamin D, Aging, and COVID By DR. LORETTA T. FRIEDMAN

Ninety percent of our current health is controlled by the environment in which we bathe our genes — the food we eat, our exercise regimen, our resilience in the face of stress, and our exposure to environmental toxins. COVID-19 likely won’t be the last pandemic of our lifetimes. And as we get older, we don’t want the flu or pneumonia taking us down either. A strong immune system is your suit of armor against illness. Immune health is a way of life, not a quick fix — and fortunately, it’s a byproduct of living the optimal life you already want. (So here’s to your health and continued prosperity.) As a person ages, their risk for cognitive decline increases dramatically, affecting nearly 25% of all persons 65 and older in the U.S. Recent findings suggest that low vitamin D levels in older adults are associated with an increased incidence of cognitive decline. Simulation studies suggest that fortification of food cannot provide sufficient vitamin D to the elderly without exceeding present conventional safety levels for children. A combination of fortification and individual supplementation is proposed. In aging adults, vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to muscle weakness, which can manifest in different ways. In general, seniors tend to feel heaviness in their legs and have difficulty standing up and climbing stairs. A number of factors can play a role in vitamin D deficiencies in older adults. Because they spend the majority of their time 6

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indoors, older adults get minimal exposure to natural sunlight. Scientists define vitamins as organic compounds that are vital for normal metabolic function that must be consumed because they cannot be produced in the body. Vitamin D, however, is a little bit different from other vitamins because it is produced by the body in a chemical reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to UVB rays from sunlight. Sunlight stimulates vitamin D production in our bodies. Diet helps, but according to the Endocrine Society, most people only get about 10% of their nutritional requirement for vitamin D from the food they eat. Even though many foods are fortified with added vitamin D, such as dairy products, orange juice, and cereals, the amounts these products contain still fall short of the recommended daily allowance (600 IU for adults ages 19–70 and 800 IU for adults over 70). A number of factors can play a role in vitamin D deficiencies in older adults. Additionally, as skin thins with age, vitamin D synthesis becomes much less efficient. Reduced appetite and impaired absorption of nutrients further compound this problem for seniors. Vitamin D is also necessary for aiding and regulating calcium absorption and keeps bones, muscles, and teeth in excellent condition. The combination of weakened muscles and bones caused by low vitamin D levels has been associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures, which can be very dangerous and even fatal for the elderly. Changes in Mood and Cognitive Function Since vitamin D converts into the active hormone calcitriol, it functions differently within the body than other true vitamins. Vitamin D is believed to help regulate immune function and the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that influence moods (dopamine and serotonin). Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels may be associated with mental health disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), schizophrenia, and depression. Seniors who feel depressed and tired all the time may actually suffer from vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. In addition, low vitamin D levels may contribute to cognitive decline and a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Weight Gain Vitamin D appears to play an important role in regulating appetite and body weight as well. Research has shown that lower www.BusinessWomanPA.com

levels of vitamin D are associated with obesity, whereas increased vitamin D levels have been associated with reductions in body fat. It’s believed that vitamin D controls the levels of leptin in the body — another hormone that inhibits hunger and reduces fat storage. When a senior is deficient in vitamin D, these signals to the brain get disrupted, and the body doesn’t know when to stop eating. This can make people overeat and gain weight. Fatigue Many older adults who are tired all the time may not realize they could have a nutritional deficiency, so they ignore their symptoms. Low vitamin D levels may also cause widespread pain in areas like the shoulders, pelvis, ribcage, and lower back, which can leave a senior feeling drained. Someone who has stiff joints and is constantly feeling fatigued might want to boost their vitamin D intake (especially if they do not go outside much or do not eat many fortified foods). Digestive Issues Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD is split into two main types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. To make matters worse, bowel diseases can interfere with the way the intestines absorb dietary fat. Since vitamin D is a fatsoluble vitamin, GI conditions can cause nutritional deficiencies to worsen even further. Vitamin D is an extremely important nutrient the body needs to function properly, and insufficiencies may trigger severe health problems. The combination of symptoms caused by low vitamin D, such as fatigue, pain, and depression, can easily be misdiagnosed or written off as inevitable side effects of aging. Be sure to make a doctor’s appointment if you notice any of the above symptoms in your loved one. A simple blood test and recommendation for lifestyle changes and/or an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can help seniors feel better fast.

vitamin D? COVID vaccine or no COVID vaccine — the need for vitamin D is very important to keeping your immunity levels in place along with a myriad of other health conditions at bay.

Dr. Loretta T. Friedman is the founder of Synergy Health Associates. Previously, she was an operating room nurse, specializing in cardiothoracic, open heart, vascular, and kidney transplants. Friedman opened her chiropractic practice in 1994 and is one of two Directional Non-Force Technique® chiropractors in all of New York state. As a women’s health expert, Friedman harnesses proprietary protocols for AntiAging, Metabolic Detoxification and Lymph-Biologics™, a unique form of lymphatic drainage. With a diversity of nutritional degrees and multiple certifications, Friedman has been helping women and men with their nutritional insufficiencies for years. After years of working with a diverse demographic of patients, Friedman discovered a technology that could deliver the necessary information for a more thorough patient diagnosis and termed this cell test the Aging Analysis. Now, she could help patients feel and look as good as they can with customized programs with diet, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle changes. For many people, one condition can affect other areas of the body and cause multiple symptoms. She can identify the source of the pain and recommend the most effective treatment. For more information, visit synergyhealthassociates.com.

Sources: Vitamin D • Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, herring, and salmon • Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals • Beef liver • Cheese • Egg yolks • A lso – mushrooms are the only good, natural plant source of vitamin D. If the person has had the COVID vaccine, do they still need to worry about www.BusinessWomanPA.com

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How to Choose a Medical Alert System By JIM MILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in getting my mom, who lives alone, a medical alert system with a wearable pendant button that will let her call for help if she falls or has a medical emergency. What can you tell me to help me choose one? – Too Many Choices Dear Too Many, A good medical alert system is an effective and affordable tool that can help keep your mom safe and living in her own home longer. But with all the different products and features available today, choosing one can be challenging. Here are some tips that can help. Three Key Questions Medical alert systems, which have been around since the 1980s, provide a wearable help button — usually in the form of a neck pendant or wristband — that would put your mom in touch with a dispatcher who could summon emergency help or contact a friend or family member as needed. To help you narrow down your options and choose a system that best fits your mom’s needs, here are three key questions you’ll need to ask, along with some top-rated companies that offer these products. 1. Does your mom want a home-based or mobile system? Medical alert systems were originally designed to work inside the home with a landline telephone, which is still an option. But since fewer and fewer households have landlines these days, most companies today also offer home-based systems that work over a cellular network. With these systems, pressing the wearable help button allows you to speak to a dispatcher through a base unit located in your home. In addition, many companies offer mobile medical alert options, too. You can use these systems at home, but they’ll also allow you to call for help while you’re out and about. Mobile alerts operate over cellular networks and incorporate GPS technology. They allow you to talk and listen to the operator directly through the pendant button, and because of the GPS, your location would be known in order for help to be sent. If your mom doesn’t leave the house very often, she may not need a mobile system, but if she is still active, she may want added protection outside the home. 8

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2. Should her system be monitored or not? The best medical alert systems are monitored, meaning that the help button connects you with a trained operator at a 24/7 dispatching center. But you also have the option to choose a system that isn’t monitored. With these, when you press the help button, the device automatically dials a friend or family member on your programmed emergency-call list. These products can often be set up to call multiple people and to contact emergency services if you don’t get an answer from someone on your list. 3. Should you add a fall-detection feature? Most medical alert companies today now offer the option of an automatic fall-detection pendant for an additional fee of $10 to $15 per month. These pendants sense falls when they occur and automatically contact the dispatch center, just as they would if you had pressed the call button. But be aware that this technology isn’t foolproof. In some cases, this feature may register something as a fall that isn’t. The alarm might go off if you drop it or momentarily lose your balance but don’t actually land on the ground. Top-Rated Systems Here are four top companies, rated by Consumer Reports, that offer home and mobile monitored medical-alert systems: • Bay Alarm Medical: Fees range between $20 and $40 per month; bayalarmmedical.com • GreatCall’s Lively Mobile Plus: The device costs $50 plus a $25– $40 monthly service fee; greatcall.com • MobileHelp: Monthly fees run $20–$45; mobilehelp.com • Philips Lifeline: $30–$50 per month, plus a one-time device/ activation fee of $50–$100; lifeline.philips.com

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Technology That Can Help You Locate Things You Misplace By JIM MILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good devices that help with tracking down misplaced items? – Always Searching Dear Always, There’s actually a wide variety of tracking devices that can help you and your wife find items that are commonly misplaced. Here are some top options to consider, depending on how tech savvy you are. Bluetooth Trackers If you or your wife uses a smartphone or tablet, you can easily track down lost or misplaced items like keys, a purse or wallet, remote control, smartphone, tablet, or even a laptop with a Bluetooth tracker. While there are several different types of tracker products on the market today, the best is Tile (thetileapp.com), which pairs with Apple and Android apps to help you locate missing items. All you do is attach a small, battery-powered Tile to the items you want to keep track of using an adhesive sticker or a key ring, or you can just slip it inside the item. Then, when a tagged item goes missing, you simply access the app on your smartphone or tablet to see how far away you are from the item or its last-known location on the map. If you’re within 150–200 feet, you can make the Tile ring so you can follow the sound to easily find it. Or, if your wife loses her phone, the Tile works in reverse, allowing her to double press the button on her Tile to make her phone ring (even if it’s on silent) as long as it’s nearby. Tile also works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri to find misplaced items. All you have to do is ask. To fit your tracking needs, Tile offers a variety of differentsized trackers, including the Tile Mate ($48 for a two-pack) that’s ideal for keeping track of keys, purses, or backpacks; Tile Slim ($54 for a two-pack), which is the size of a credit card and can be put into a wallet or attached to a laptop; Tile Sticker ($40 for a two-pack), the smallest finder that can attach to things like remotes, bikes, and more; and Tile Pro ($60 for a two-pack), which is the most durable tacker and has a 400-foot range and extra-loud ringer. Glasses Tracker Since Tile doesn’t offer a glasses tracker, a great product to help your wife keep tabs on her eyeglasses is Orbit Glasses (findorbit. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

com; $40). This is a tiny, rechargeable Bluetooth device that sticks to the inside arm of the glasses so it’s not noticeable. So, when your wife’s glasses aren’t on her head but are nearby, she can use the free Orbit app to make them ring so she can find them quickly. Or, if she’s out of Bluetooth range, she can check the last known location, which will be shown on the map. Radio-Frequency Finders If you or your wife doesn’t have a smartphone or tablet, there are also radio-frequency devices, like the Esky Key Finders (eskynow.com), sold through Amazon, which can help you find misplaced items. These devices come with an item-locator remote and four to six tags with prices ranging between $20 and $30. Attach a tag to the items you want to keep track of with a key ring or adhesive. Each tag is color coded and corresponds to a colored button on the finder. When an item goes missing, you simply press the colored button on the locator remote, and the tag will flash and beep. The signal will go through walls and cushions and has a tracking range of around 100 feet. Make sure you keep the finder fob in a safe spot, because if you misplace it, you won’t be able to find the tagged items.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

Build a Better Healthcare Budget

Managing a chronic disease takes plenty of special planning and attention and, in many cases, a lot of money. The expenses associated with disease management are sometimes overwhelming, forcing patients to skip essential treatments or medication and risk serious health complications. One example is diabetes. A study published in the Journal of American Medicine found that 1 in 4 individuals with diabetes had rationed their insulin, which can affect short- and longterm health. Since 2002, the list price of insulin has risen, often costing customers without health insurance or on high-deductible insurance plans upward of $1,000 for a one-month supply. Consider these ideas to help manage the expense associated with a chronic disease: 1. Health Insurance Whether your loved one has a chronic condition or they’re generally healthy, it’s important to understand the different types of health insurance available. Commercial health plans can be purchased by anyone, but she may be eligible for governmentfunded healthcare. Understanding the costs associated with insurance plans means taking into account both the monthly premium and out-ofpocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. When choosing a plan, decide whether you’d rather pay a higher amount each month (premium) and less when a doctor is seen (copays, coinsurance, or deductible), or if you’d prefer to pay less for the premium each month and more when a doctor is seen 10

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or when prescriptions are filled. Another consideration is the plan’s network. There can be a significant budget impact when seeing doctors in-network vs. outof-network. Other potential cost-saving options include health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts, which might save them tax dollars. 2. Doctor Visits Avoiding visits to the doctor because of the expense can end up costing more in the long run if serious symptoms are left untreated or the chronic condition is not properly managed. Make sure you understand all costs associated with doctor visits, including what’s covered by insurance, the copay, and any out-ofpocket costs. Labs and tests aren’t always covered, and certain conditions, like diabetes, can require many test-related expenses. Sometimes saving money can be as simple as having lab work done at an innetwork facility and sent to the doctor. In addition to a primary care doctor, many patients with diabetes also see an endocrinologist and have more frequent visits to the eye doctor. Indirect costs, such as transportation, may also increase the overall expense of a visit. 3. Prescription Drugs Doing your research can make a major difference in how much prescriptions cost. For many conditions, such as diabetes, the cost of medication may make it tempting to skip doses to www.BusinessWomanPA.com

make a prescription last longer, but that can have dire medical consequences. Instead, conduct price checks with various pharmacies, and discuss medication options with the doctor, including which prescriptions have generic alternatives available. If a generic is a possibility and the doctor believes it’s a good match for your loved one’s condition, be sure the prescription notes that substituting is allowed. You can also look into coupon savings and patient assistance plans. In addition, some programs are available to help people with certain conditions. For example, GetInsulin.org, created by nonprofit organization Beyond Type 1, is a one-stop tool for anyone with diabetes who is having trouble accessing affordable insulin in the United States. “High-quality, modern insulin must be available to people with diabetes regardless of employment or insurance status, across all demographics, without barriers, and at an affordable and predictable price point,” said Thom Scher, CEO of Beyond Type 1. Through the website, users answer a few questions and receive customized action plans to guide them through the access solutions that best serve their unique circumstances, such as location, insurance type, income, and prescription. 4. Medical Equipment Devices like oxygen tanks, pacemakers, blood glucose monitors, and CPAP machines for sleep apnea play vital roles in treating serious medical conditions. If you’re worried about the cost of equipment recommended

to help navigate a short- or long-term diagnosis, work with the doctor and insurance company to figure out the most costeffective method to achieve your treatment goals. 5. Emergency Care A medical emergency isn’t only a drain on your physical and mental well-being: It can deliver a major blow to one’s finances. Emergency care can cost thousands of dollars per visit, especially with high-deductible insurance plans. Some conditions, like diabetes, are associated with a higher likelihood of emergency care needs for complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia. To offset the impact of potential emergency-care expenses, plan ahead and build a savings account for your medical needs. 6. Food Certain diets cost more to maintain, and that can be especially true when someone is eating to accommodate a medical need. When planning food costs, be sure to account for the foods that are eaten regularly, as well as the extras needed, such as glucose gummies and snacks to treat low blood sugar for those living with diabetes. You can learn about options to help manage your diabetesrelated expenses at GetInsulin.org.

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7 Ways of Helping a Person with Dementia Symptoms Feel Less Anxious By TEEPA SNOW

As you go through life, you may tend to take for granted the amazing feats and abilities of your brain. Remembering where you parked the car, how to make your favorite pasta dish, or being able to dial the phone number of your best friend without looking at your address book are just a few of the tasks your brain assists you with. When a person begins to notice repeated memory problems in themselves, such as getting lost on the way to a familiar shopping mall or writing seven sticky notes for the same task, feelings of anxiety, frustration, or sadness can set in. As a loved one or friend, this can be very hard to watch. So, what can you do to help? 1. Help them find out what’s going on. If the person has not been diagnosed with anything, you may offer to go with them for a medical evaluation. While finding out what’s going on and diagnosing a potential dementia is not a straightforward path, having you by their side for support can significantly reduce anxiety (which, in turn, helps the brain, as it cannot function to its fullest while in an anxious state). 12

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2. Give them time to process. If the person does indeed receive a dementia diagnosis, give them time to process the news and work through their emotions. While for some, receiving a formal diagnosis can be devastating, for others, getting an answer for what is happening can almost be a sense of relief. Just as we are all different, every person’s response to a dementia diagnosis will differ. Give them time and space to process their emotions, and be there for them when they want to talk and need a friend. 3. Help them build a support network. You may want to encourage them to be open with family and friends about their diagnosis. Many people are willing to help, but they can’t if they don’t know what is going on. (A colleague once told me the story of a gas station attendant happily helping him pick out the appropriate change after he let him know he’s living with dementia and has trouble telling coins apart.) The more people know and are willing to help, the stronger the support network becomes. And the stronger the support network, the less anxiety and frustration the person will experience. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

4. Help them realize that dementia does not define them. While the condition may be part of them, it is not who they are as a person. By continuing or building a life that gives them a sense of meaning and purpose, you’re actively helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and sadness. Can you help them stay engaged in activities they previously enjoyed? Can you talk about what brings meaning to their life, and help them realize it? Are there activities you can do together? 5. Show them that they’re needed. When a person is getting older or losing some abilities, we tend to want to help out and do everything for them. While this is likely a well-intended act of love, you may want to consider that people have an innate need to feel valued and want to contribute. So next time you’re about to set the table because you’re faster at it than your parent, let that go and instead say something like, “Hey, Dad, I could really use your help right now. I still need to peel the potatoes and dress the salad. I don’t think I can do this without your help. Could you set the table for us? That would be awesome!” Think about the different ways in which you can safely involve and engage the person in your home. Maybe consider taking a step back from activities you usually do and allow them to help you. Will it be perfect? Maybe not. Does that matter? Likely not. 6. Help them get connected. Connecting with other people living with dementia not only

helps form social bonds, but your person may also be interested in learning what others in similar situations do to live an engaged and active life. While it can be difficult to connect with others during a pandemic, such as we’re currently experiencing, there are a lot of online meetings and events your person may enjoy attending. (If your person has trouble with technology, setting up a comfortable space with a laptop and helping them get connected may be an activity you both enjoy.) 7. Help them fight the feelings of helplessness. For many people, the more they know about their condition, the more the feeling of helplessness will dissipate. By learning more, both of you will be able to have better conversations with physicians and allow for better planning. To help you get started, PAC put together a page exclusively for people living with dementia (teepasnow.com/resources/ for-people-living-with-dementia), where you can learn about symptoms of dementia, events, videos, and more.

Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), founded by renowned dementia care educator Teepa Snow, is a dementia-care education company specializing in improving lives by empowering caregivers with highly effective, hands-on care skills and techniques. To learn more, please visit teepasnow.com or contact info@teepasnow.com.

Diakon Senior Living

Know someone who is ɥɯɞɸ̽Ȫȓȶȅ ǈɯ ȎɀȳǱԭ ΤȲʟȲ ȉʟȲ ʜȲʟʦʁɷȉɫ ȦȉʟȲ ȉɷȬ ɴȲɴʁʟ˘ ȦȉʟȲ ʁʜʰɔʁɷʦ ȉˑȉɔɫȉȥɫȲे sʹʟ Ȳ˗ʜȲʟʰʦ Ȧȉɷ ɏȲɫʜ ˘ʁʹ εɷȬ ȉ ʦʁɫʹʰɔʁɷे &ȓǈȥɀȶ Ǳȶȓɀɞ `ȓʐȓȶȅ ǱɞʐȓǥǱɥ ɀ̮Ǳɞɥ ǥɀȶɥɸȪʧǈɯȓɀȶ ɥǱɞʐȓǥǱɥ ǈɯ ȶɀ ǥȎǈɞȅǱԬ

ǈȪȪ ɸɥ ɯɀǫǈʗԩ CUMBERLAND CROSSINGS

FREY VILLAGE

A DIAKON SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

(717) 349-1107

ࢾ ^ʁɷɆʦȬʁʟ̎ Âȉ˘ e ȉʟɫɔʦɫȲू ࢾࣄࢽࢾࣂ www.CumberlandCrossingsSeniorLiving.org

(717) 249-1008

ࢾࢽࢿࢽ jʁʟʰɏ ©ɷɔʁɷ ʰʟȲȲʰ e gɔȬȬɫȲʰʁ˒ɷू ࢾࣄࢽࣂࣄ

www.FreyVillageSeniorLiving.org

Diakon Senior Living Communities focus on healthy, safe environments. Diakon does not discriminate in admissions, the provision of services, or referrals of clients on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other classes protected by law. CC-FV-COMBO-Caregiver-Solutions-7.5x4.875-July-2021.indd 1

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4/5/21 12:38 PM

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Cloth Face Coverings and Distancing Pose Communication Challenges for Many By DEBARA L. TUCCI, M.D., M.S., M.B.A.

Communication is an important and complex transaction that depends on visual and, often, auditory (hearing) cues. Factors that influence how well our spoken language is received include our eye contact and body language, whether we stand or sit while speaking, the tone of our voices and our facial expressions, environmental lighting, and background noise. Individuals with hearing problems (and even those with normal hearing) may also pay close attention to a speaker’s mouth — known as lip reading or speech reading — to follow conversational speech. In the U.S., approximately 15% of adults over age 18 report trouble hearing. Hearing loss develops for many reasons, including exposure over time to loud noise. Some people are born with hearing problems, and many develop hearing loss as they grow older. Regardless of the cause, hearing loss is disabling for millions of people, including half of people in the U.S. ages 75 and older. Cloth face coverings (face masks) and physical distancing have become the new norm, although many restrictions have lifted. These necessary precautions can be exhausting — especially for individuals with hearing loss who may depend on lip reading to communicate. Cloth face coverings obscure facial features, disrupting speech perception and the emotion conveyed by the speaker. They also 14

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filter speech, making sounds less clear. When it is harder to understand speech — whether because of cloth face coverings, distance, or other factors — research suggests we have fewer cognitive resources to process information deeply. As a result, communication suffers, and feelings of stress and isolation may increase. Speech, language, and hearing capabilities are highly individualized. These difficult times offer all of us the opportunity to be mindful about communication. It will require extra effort. I encourage everyone to meet these challenges with patience, kindness, and a commitment to problem-solving. Speak more clearly and perhaps more loudly than you normally would (without shouting). If a clear face covering is available, consider using it in place of the cloth face covering you currently use, so that your mouth is visible. Ask the person you’re speaking with if they understand what you’re saying. Another option is to ask them to repeat back what you’ve said. You can also offer to use another method (smartphone, paper and pen, whiteboard) to get your message across. And, when possible, avoid loud background noise when interacting. This can both improve comprehension in the moment and protect your hearing for the future. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

8 Tips for Improving Communication When Wearing a Face Covering Be aware. Is the person you’re communicating with having trouble understanding you? Ask and adapt if needed. Be patient. Face coverings block visual cues and muffle sounds that help us understand speech, which can make interactions frustrating. Be mindful. Consider how physical distancing might affect your communication. As distance increases, sound levels decrease, and visual cues are more difficult to see. Be loud and clear. Speak up, but don’t shout. Focus on speaking clearly. Consider wearing a clear face covering, if possible. If you’re having trouble understanding, ask the person you’re talking with to speak louder. If you lip read, ask those you interact with regularly to wear a clear face covering. Turn down the background volume. Background noise

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can make conversation especially hard. When possible, move to a quieter spot or turn down the sound. Communicate another way. Use a smartphone talk-totext application or writing tools (paper/pen, whiteboard) to communicate. Confirm that your statement is clear. Ask if your message has been understood. Bring a friend or be a friend. If it’s essential that you comprehend important spoken details — during a discussion with a healthcare provider, for example — consider bringing a friend or family member with you. Or, offer to come along to listen and take notes when a friend has an important appointment or meeting.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders – nidcd.nih.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions Common questions regarding COVID-19: What are the efficacies of the COVID-19 vaccines? • Pfizer-BioNTech – 95%; two shots • Moderna – 94.1%; two shots • Johnson & Johnson – 72%–86%; one shot What does “efficacy” mean? The efficacy of a vaccine refers to how well it performs in a group of people who received a vaccination in a carefully controlled clinical trial.

other independent living environments. Home care services include: •A ssistance with self-administered medications •P ersonal care (assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and feeding) •H omemaking (housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and transportation) •R espite care (assistance and support provided to the family) • Other nonskilled services

What does the word “vaccine” mean for COVID-19? Many people are under the assumption that once you get the vaccine, you will never have to get it again (as is the case with vaccines for mumps, diphtheria, etc.). That’s not the case for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, it is not yet known how long the protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. Can you still get COVID-19 after you’ve had the vaccine? What’s the difference? Immunity from the vaccine develops after a couple of weeks, but yes, you can still get COVID-19 or its mutations after getting a vaccine. The vaccine doesn’t prevent coronavirus infection but rather helps protect against serious illnesses. Do any of the three vaccines above change your DNA? No, COVID-19 vaccines do not change your DNA in any way. What is the difference between home care and home healthcare? Home care agencies (HCAs) and home care registries (HCRs) provide nonskilled services to individuals in their homes or 16

Home healthcare is a wide range of healthcare services that can be given in your home for an illness or injury. Examples of skilled home health services include: •W ound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound • Patient and caregiver education • Intravenous or nutrition therapy • Injections •M onitoring serious illness and unstable health status – Medicare.gov What is the difference between a nursing home and a personal care home? Nursing homes are licensed medical facilities that are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They must meet both state and federal regulations. There is third-party reimbursement (Medicare and Medicaid) for those who qualify based on income. Personal care homes are residential facilities that offer personal care services, assistance, and supervision to four or more

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persons. They are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. A personal care home must have a license to operate in Pennsylvania. There are state licensing regulations that apply to personal care homes. These regulations are aimed at protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the residents. There are no federal regulations for personal care homes. There is no thirdparty reimbursement for personal care homes, but many accept residents of low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). What is the difference between a personal care home and an assisted living community in Pennsylvania? Many people frequently confuse the two to mean the same thing, which was pretty true until 2011. Personal care homes are for individuals who want to remain independent yet have supervision and help with daily living activities. An assisted living community allows its residents to age in place longer, often making it unnecessary for them to move to a nursing facility. What is the Medicare Savings Program (MSP)? The Medicare Savings Program helps pay for Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if a beneficiary meets certain conditions. What are Medicare Preventive Services? Early detection and treatment of health conditions can help reduce medical costs and maintain health. Many preventive care services are covered at a low or no cost. Talk to your doctor about preventive services available to you through Medicare. What is the Extra Help Program? Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for prescription costs, premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance of Medicare www.BusinessWomanPA.com

prescription drug coverage for qualified beneficiaries. It is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). Persons may become eligible if certain requirements are met: • You have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance). • You live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. • Your combined savings, investments, and real estate are not worth more than $29,520 if you are married and living with your spouse or $14,790 if you are not currently married or not living with your spouse. (Do not count your home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts, or back payments from Social Security or SSI.) If you have more than those amounts, you may not qualify for Extra Help. However, you can still enroll in an approved Medicare prescription drug plan for coverage. If you have Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare and Medicaid, you do not have to apply for this extra assistance because you will automatically get Extra Help. If your loved one becomes eligible, you can call 800.633.4227, TTY 877.486.2048, or visit Medicare.gov for more information. What is the APPRISE Program and where can I get more information? The APPRISE Program is a free program operated by the Area Agencies on Aging to provide healthinsurance counseling and assistance to Pennsylvanians age 60 and over. They can help you understand Medicare benefits by explaining Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Program counselors can explain the Medicare appeals process, help you select a Medigap insurance policy, explain the Medicare prescription Part D benefit, and explain financial assistance programs. Call 800.633.4227 or your local Area Agency on Aging for more information. Is there someplace I can get help with drug bills for someone in my care? Who is eligible for PACE? www.BusinessWomanPA.com

• You must be 65 years of age or older. •Y ou must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application. •Y ou cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Services’ Medicaid prescription benefit. For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less. For a married couple, combined income must be $17,700 or less. Prescriptions: Copay for generic drugs is $6; copay for single-source brand is $9. Who is eligible for PACENET? • You must be 65 years of age or older. •Y ou must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application. •Y ou cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Services’ Medicaid prescription benefit. PACENET income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE. For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $27,500. For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $35,500.

Prescriptions: Copay for generic drugs is $8; copay for single-source brand is $15. Call your local Area Agency on Aging office for forms or for more information or go to https://pacecares.magellanhealth. com. Effective Jan. 1, 2021, PACENET cardholders not enrolled in a Part D plan will pay a $37.45 premium at the pharmacy each month. Income qualification is based on prior year’s income and includes taxable and nontaxable sources. Assets and resources are not counted as income. – Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Bathing & Dressing Assistance Grooming • Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders • Errands • Shopping Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families

Specializing in dementia care for adults and their families York

717.751.2488 1840 E. Market St York PA 17402

Lancaster

717.393.3450 2141 Oregon Pike, 2nd Floor Lancaster, PA 17601

Hanover

717.630.0067 104 Carlisle St Hanover, PA 17331

RN Owned and Operated Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

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Free Service is Available to Veterans Veterans and their surviving spouses are provided, free of charge, assistance with claims for serviceconnected disabilities, nonservice-connected pensions, emergency assistance, healthcare system enrollment, and other federal, state, and county benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs also assists surviving spouses of veterans in applying for aid and attendance, pensions, dependency, and indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths and death benefits.

Vietnam veterans diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, or hairy cell leukemia should contact the Veterans Affairs office about filing a claim for disability. Veterans diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of any of these disabilities should contact the Veterans Affairs office to determine eligibility for benefits.

Cumberland County Danny Osten 717.240.6179 dosten@ccpa.net

Lebanon County Scott Kohr 717.228.4422 skohr@lebcnty.org

Dauphin County Tony DiFrancesco 717.780.6357 tdifrancesco@dauphinc.org

York County Terry Gendron 717.771.9218 tgendron@yorkcounty.org

Lancaster County Jodi Barone 150 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603 717.299.7920

Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave. Lebanon, PA 17042 844.698.2311

Spread the Word VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify.

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Caregiver Support Programs There are approximately 43.5 million people who provide unpaid caregiving to family members throughout the year. Americans are living longer, and as the population ages, the number of caregivers will also continue to rise in the coming years. Caregivers are an essential element in our healthcare system and, according to AARP, they account for about $470 billion worth of unpaid labor in the U.S. Caregiving already has become the new norm for many, as we find ourselves helping loved ones who are disabled, frail, or suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney and liver diseases, which have been on the rise.

Benefits & Services for Caregivers • Assessment of caregiver and care recipient needs • Respite care • Training in caregiving skills • Financial assistance to purchase caregiving-related supplies or services • Limited funding for assistive devices and home modifications • Benefits counseling on services available through local, state, and federal programs • Referrals to family support or disease-specific organizations, such as Children of Aging Parents or the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association • Assistance in completing benefits and insurance forms

Eligibility If you are age 18 or older and the primary caregiver* of a functionally dependent person who is age 60 or older, you may be eligible for assistance. If you are age 18 or older and the primary caregiver* of an individual who is age 18–59 with Alzheimer’s disease or other chronic dementia, or an individual who is under age 18 with chronic dementia, you may be eligible for assistance. If you are age 55 or older and the primary caregiver* of a relative who is under age 18 or a relative age 18–59 with a non-dementia-related disability who lives with you, you may be eligible for assistance. * A primary caregiver is the one identified adult family member or other responsible person who has primary responsibility for the provision of care — including coordination of care and services — needed to maintain the physical and/or mental health of the care receiver. The caregiver may not receive reimbursement for personally providing caregiving services to the care receiver and must be actively involved with various aspects of care on a regular — but not necessarily daily — basis. For specific program information, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s website at www.aging.pa.gov. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Some research has shown that men are increasingly stepping up in their caregiving responsibilities, but women are still more likely to provide basic care (e.g., help with dressing, feeding, and bathing), while sons are more likely to provide financial assistance. The major focus of the Caregiver Support Programs is to reinforce the care given to people over the age of 60 or adults with chronic dementia. To determine the needs of both the caregiver and receiver, the package of benefits begins with an assessment. You could also take advantage of other benefits available, such as counseling, education, and financial information.

Assessment Criteria (Federal and State)

State No**

Federal No**

Caregiver must be related to the care receiver.

No***

Household income of care receiver is used to determine eligibility.

Yes

Care receiver must require assistance with two or more activities of daily living (ADLs).

No (1) ADL needed

Yes****

Maximum amount of monthly reimbursement for caregiver expenses (depending on the caregiver’s reimbursement percentage) is:

$200*****

Maximum amount of reimbursement for home modification/assistive devices (depending on the caregiver’s reimbursement percentage and availability of funding) is:

$2,000

Caregiver must have primary responsibility for the provision of care and be actively involved with various aspects of the care receiver’s care on a regular — but not necessarily daily — basis.

Yes

Caregiver must reside in the same household as care receiver.

** Unless care receiver is 18–59 years of age with a non-dementia-related disability, or the caregiver is 55 years of age and older caring for a child under age 18. *** Must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption if the care receiver is 18–59 years of age with a non-dementia-related disability, or the caregiver is 55 years of age and older caring for a child under age 18. **** ADL requirement does not apply if the caregiver is 55 years of age and older caring for a child under age 18. (The caregiver cannot be the biological parent of the child.) ***** Up to $500 with documentation to justify need. caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies: Being prepared can help reduce stress By LISA M. PETSCHE

work, cell, vacation home — to maximize the chances you can reach these people in a hurry. Regularly review information to ensure it’s up to date. • Keep the above information organized in a file folder or binder. Store it in an easily accessible place and bring it to any hospital visits. • Get a cellphone if you don’t have one, and become comfortable with its basic features. • Prepare an emergency kit of essential items to bring to the hospital. You may wish to include: a notebook and pen for jotting down questions to ask and recording information provided to you and your relative; a change purse with coins and small bills for parking and vending machines; a spare cellphone charger; reading material and a spare pair of reading glasses; and, non-perishable snacks. Attach a note reminding you to bring your relative’s medical file and medications — the latter in case they’re needed in a timely fashion (as with Parkinson’s medication, for example) and not readily available from the hospital dispensary. Chances are good that the relative you care for will require urgent medical attention at some point, especially if they have any chronic health conditions. Trips to the emergency department are stressful at best and can also be frightening in some cases. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can prepare for a medical crisis. Then, should one arise, you’ll be ready to assist your relative and the hospital staff, and manage your stress in the process. At Home – Advance Planning • Maintain a log of your relative’s medical diagnoses, past and present medications, specialists consulted, hospitalizations, and surgeries. • Be ready with the following paperwork to bring to the hospital: a list of current medications, including prescription and overthe-counter drugs, vitamins, and natural remedies, and their dosages; health insurance information; and a copy of your relative’s advance directives or living will and durable power of attorney. • Prepare a list of relatives and friends who should be notified in an emergency. List as many phone numbers as possible — home, 20

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• Keep cordless home phones and cellphones charged, so they’re ready to use in a crisis. • If you think your care receiver may at some point need more care than you are able to provide, now is the time to start checking out care communities: personal care homes, assisted living communities, and nursing/rehabilitation facilities. At the Hospital • Let staff know if your relative has hearing or vision impairment, language impairment from a stroke or dementia, or a limited command of English, and share helpful communication tips. • Be prepared to share your relative’s health symptoms and medical history multiple times, with a variety of healthcare professionals, and exercise patience. If your relative can speak on their own behalf, allow them to do so and simply fill in any gaps. • Give your full attention when medical professionals are speaking. Don’t interrupt them unless you need to correct or add crucial information. They will ask questions as they feel the need. Ensure before they leave that you are clear about any findings and next steps. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

• Keep the volume of your voice low during conversations, for privacy reasons and because others may be trying to rest. Keep in mind, too, that even if your relative is relatively stable, or becomes stabilized, surrounding patients may be in serious condition. Coping Tips The following are some suggestions to help you through this unsettling time. • Initially take things an hour at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. • Call, or ask staff to call, a supportive person in your social network, especially if you don’t cope well with crises. If no one is available, ask for a visit from the social worker or chaplain, depending on the circumstances and your needs. • If you anticipate significant waiting periods and forgot your e-reader, books, or other items to help pass the time, purchase a newspaper or magazine from the hospital gift shop. • Make it easy to keep others informed by identifying a key contact person who can fan out updates from you. • Encourage your relative (if able) and close family members to share in decision making. Don’t shoulder all of the responsibility. • Look after yourself. Step away from your relative’s bedside periodically to stretch your legs, and get nourishment at regular intervals. If your relative’s stay is expected to be prolonged, arrange for family members or friends to relieve you so you can go home to rest and freshen up. • If you learn your relative is being discharged home and you don’t feel prepared, ask to speak with a social worker. He or she can discuss options and share information about community supports.

Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal experience with elder care.

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Is It Exhaustion, or Is It Empathy Fatigue? By JULIE POTIKER

caring. And sometimes, they care so much that their empathy drains them completely. If this sounds like you, you are certainly not alone. If you’ve been in a caretaker role for some time now, you may even be resigned to thinking, “This is just the way it is” — but it doesn’t have to be. Most of us are familiar with the remedies to physical exhaustion, such as sleep and downtime, but you may not be aware of how to deal with empathy fatigue. This kind of energetic, emotional exhaustion deserves your special attention.

Caretakers the world over are all too familiar with feelings of being stretched too thin from time to time as they nurture, support, and protect those they care for. And the realities of the pandemic have pushed many caretakers to their limits and beyond. From navigating all the new restrictions, to securing personal protective equipment, to enhanced cleaning routines, to simply helping those they’re caring for deal with the ongoing stress and loneliness, caregivers are left completely maxed out. And on top of that, they’re also often the only contact those they care for have with the outside world during this time. The pressure is immense. Amidst it all, caregivers are doing one thing most of all: They’re 22

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What Is Empathy Fatigue? Empathy is when you connect with and feel someone else’s pain. It’s a beautiful way to relate to others, but remaining in this state becomes exhausting because you are in the constant position of giving while not receiving anything back to fill your own coffers. Compassion is when we try to alleviate someone else’s pain. Compassion is love in action. When you start to feel tired or drained from giving, that’s empathy fatigue. And the key to healing it lies in compassion. The mindfulness practice of mindful self-compassion offers many tools we can use to overcome empathy fatigue in the present and help to prevent it in the future. Here are five tips to inspire you to recognize, heal, and avoid empathy fatigue. 1. Don’t ignore fatigue. When you feel exhausted from caretaking, don’t ignore it. That’s empathy fatigue! If you don’t acknowledge it and work to heal it, it can take over and wreak havoc on your sense of well-being. 2. Add compassion to your empathy. When you add compassion to your empathy, something beautiful happens: www.BusinessWomanPA.com

You help another person, and in return you experience selfcompassion and self-care. 3. Be a caretaker of you. Caring best for others starts with taking the best care of you. The well-worn analogy of putting your own oxygen mask on first applies here. If you don’t keep yourself healthy and well in body and mind, your ability to care for others will be severely compromised — and impossible to maintain long term! 4. Schedule “you time.” Make time for mindful self-care. Take a few minutes for meditation each day. Take a nice, hot bath. Call a friend. Take a walk and practice staying grounded by putting your attention on the soles of your feet. Listen to music that soothes and inspires you. Practice loving kindness. Fill yourself back up with an abundance of caring. 5. Practice on-the-job self-compassion. Whether you’re caring for a loved one at home or in a care facility, focus your attention on your hands while using hand sanitizer. Do a quick check-in with yourself. Drop your awareness to the soles of your feet for a moment as you take three conscious breaths. Get centered in your body. Balancing empathy with compassion (for self and others) is crucial for avoiding empathy fatigue. We can’t just feel all the pain all the time and expect not to be drained. Switching over to compassion enables us to take action to alleviate suffering. When empathy fatigue happens, remember that you are missing the compassion component! Mindfulness Meditation for Caregivers Here’s a meditation that is wonderful for caregivers of any kind. You can repeat these words when encountering patients or when in the operating room; you can direct the words at colleagues who are frustrated and making life difficult for other staff; you can even use it in meetings with administrators. Family caregivers can use these words when helping loved ones who are suffering. Friends can use it when helping friends going through rough transitions. Try it for yourself in any context where it feels helpful to you: Everyone is on his or her own life journey. I am not the cause of this person’s suffering, nor is it entirely within my power to make it go away, even if I wish I could. Moments like this are difficult to bear, yet I may still try to help if I can. Your empathy fatigue is telling you something: It’s time to turn your amazing caring skills toward yourself. And it’s the furthest thing from selfish to do so, in spite of what your inner critic may be piping up www.BusinessWomanPA.com

to suggest. Caring for ourselves is a necessary part of being able to care for others. It makes it possible for us to show up refreshed, grounded, and balanced so others can lean on us without causing us to collapse — physically or emotionally! As a caretaker, you should never resign yourself to just suffering your way through it when you’re tapped out. Mindful self-compassion is an effective and accessible way to acknowledge that your own wellness is crucial to your caretaking capacity. Be the best caretaker you can be by making self-care a priority. Put it on your calendar. Set a wellness alarm. Put a note on your refrigerator. Surround yourself with reminders to check in on you and see how you’re doing today. With practice, you’ll get into a healthy self-care habit — and you just might be amazed at what a difference it makes in how you feel as a caretaker.

Julie Potiker is a mindfulness expert trained to teach “Self-Compassion Training for Healthcare Communities: An Adaptation of Mindful Self-Compassion” — an empirically supported program of Dr. Kristin Neff at UT Austin and Dr. Chris Germer at Harvard Medical School and approved by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Visit mindfulmethodsforlife.com. Note: A review of Julie Potiker’s book, Life Falls Apart, but You Don’t Have To, can be read on page 26.

Are you a person with a disability or are you an older adult?

YOU HAVE OPTIONS!

The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources is your source for long-term living support services. The PA Link can provide person-centered counseling to help you access a network of private and public community resources providing choices to seniors and those living with a disability.

Call: 1-800-753-8827 caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

Organizing Your Personal Affairs Getting personal affairs in order is something every one of us should do — but somehow, something always seems to get in the way. The whole topic may just seem too confusing. You may not know where — or with whom — to start. To help you get organized, complete this record of personal affairs. Record of Personal Affairs ATTORNEY Name:___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ ACCOUNTANT Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ EXECUTOR Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ STOCKBROKER Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ Stock Certificates Located:___________________________________ BANK ACCOUNTS: SAVINGS/CHECKING Name and Type: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Name and Type: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Passbooks Located: ________________________________________ LIFE INSURANCE Name of Company: _ _______________________________________ Policy #: _________________________________________________ Policy #: _________________________________________________ Policies Located: __________________________________________ PENSION OR UNION PLAN Name of Company: _ _______________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Plan is Located: ___________________________________________ REAL ESTATE BROKER Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ Deeds are Located: _________________________________________ SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX Name of Bank: ____________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ In Whose Name? __________________________________________ Key Located: _____________________________________________ INCOME TAX RECORDS Located: _________________________________________________

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AUTOMOBILE REGISTRATIONS Vehicle: _ ________________________________________________ Registration Located: _______________________________________ WILL Original Located: __________________________________________ Copy Located: ____________________________________________ THERE IS NO WILL AND SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING BE ADMINISTRATOR OF ESTATE Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS _________________________________ ________________________________________________________ BIRTH CERTIFICATES LOCATED _ _________________________ MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE LOCATED _______________________ FUNERAL HOME TO BE CONTACTED Funeral Home Name: _______________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ Prearranged Funeral Made: __________________________________ Prearrangement Contract: _ __________________________________ Contract Located: __________________________________________ CEMETERY INFORMATION Name of Cemetery Desired: __________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ Plot in Whose Name? _______________________________________ Plot Number: _____________________________________________ Section: _ ________________________________________________ Block: ___________________________________________________ Location of Deed: _ ________________________________________ CREMATION Disposition of Ashes: _______________________________________ FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE HELD Church: __________________________________________________ Funeral Home: ____________________________________________ Other: ___________________________________________________ Clergyman Name: _______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ Telephone: _ __________________________________________ Music: _ _________________________________________________ Clothing: _ _______________________________________________ Visitation/Calling Hours: ____________________________________ Pallbearers Name: ___________________ Telephone: ________________ Flowers: _________________________________________________ Memorials: _______________________________________________ Lodge or Military Service/Contact Name: ___________________ Telephone: ________________ Other Personal Requests/Contact These People Name: ___________________ Telephone: ________________

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Information that’s relevant to your life! Since 1995 On-Line Publishers, Inc., a multi-title, niche-publishing and event-production company, has effectively reached boomers, seniors, caregivers, and elder care professionals with award-winning publications and events.

50plus LIFE, formerly 50plus Senior News, is a monthly newsprint magazine for and about the 50+ community. Editions in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties.

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All publications are available online, in print, and on mobile/tablet devices.

50plus Living 2021 Dauphin County

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in partnership with Area Agency on Aging.

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CAREGIVER SOLUTIONS is distributed throughout south-central PA and available at our expos. It offers invaluable information to the person managing the care of a loved one. It includes a directory of housing, care, and service providers.

50plus Living is an annual guide to residences and care options available to boomers and seniors in the Susquehanna and Delaware valleys.

is a source for information about local products, services, and support for the community. Now included as “yellow pages” in 50plus LIFE.

Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community since 1995. On-Line Publishers, Inc. • 717.285.1350 • 610.675.6240 • www.onlinepub.com www.BusinessWomanPA.com

caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

Good Reads Life Falls Apart, but You Don’t Have To By Julie Potiker Kindle; print At one point in her life, Julie Potiker was so stressed that she began manifesting symptoms of a stroke. It was at this point she realized she needed to change her life and find better ways of managing the challenges she would inevitably face. Now she’s sharing the methods she developed with you. In this compassionate and courageous new guide, Potiker shows you how to: • Find happiness apart from your children’s lives • Practice important self-care rituals • Rewire your own brain to receive happiness • Feel safe and comforted in the midst of the chaos • Listen to your inner critic without letting it tear you down Potiker also introduces Jewish tradition into her mindfulness lessons and explains the importance of following your own spiritual and emotional values as you embark on this new journey. Creative Engagement: A Handbook of Activities for People with Dementia By Rachael Wonderlin and Geri M. Lotze, Ph.D. Kindle; print In Creative Engagement, dementia activity expert Rachael Wonderlin and developmental psychology professor Geri M. Lotze provide dozens of creative, hands-on ways to engage with people living with cognitive loss. Teaching caregivers how to find dementia-friendly daily activities and introduce them into a person’s life, this comprehensive, empathetic guide is aimed at both family members and professionals. Twelve chapters full of useful, tangible activities touch on a range of topics, including exercise, technology, cooking and 26

baking, memory games, and arts and crafts. Focusing on both group and individual dynamics, mundane activities, and specially tailored pursuits, Wonderlin and Lotze offer proven strategies for interacting with people living with dementia. The authors include detailed tips for building a dementia-friendly environment, creating a daily calendar, and scheduling community entertainment. They also suggest special activities geared toward people in hospice care and give targeted advice for dealing with caregiver stress. The Caregiver’s Encyclopedia: A Compassionate Guide to Caring for Older Adults By Muriel R. Gillick, M.D. Kindle; print Caregivers hold the key to the health, well-being, and happiness of their aging relatives, partners, or friends. The Caregiver’s Encyclopedia provides you with all of the information you need to take the best care of your loved one — from making major medical decisions to making sure you don’t burn out. Muriel R. Gillick, M.D., is a geriatrician with more than 30 years’ experience caring for older people. This book highlights the importance of understanding your friends or family member’s overall health. With compassion and expertise, this book will help you “think like a doctor.” The book’s content: •H elps you navigate the healthcare system • S hares important information about treating basic geriatric syndromes, including delirium, dementia, and falls •T eaches you about preventive-care options •E nables you to manage medical decisions related to both acute and chronic conditions •D iscusses what Medicare covers — and what it doesn’t •G uides you through different approaches to care

BUSINESSWoman caregiver solutions 2021

• Weighs the risks and benefits of hospital vs. home, nursing home, or hospice care • Provides a detailed list of medical supplies you might want to keep on hand • Offers you additional resources and emotional support When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative By Aaron Blight, Ed.D. Print Aaron Blight has lived the caregiving experience many ways: as a family caregiver for a mother-in-law struggling with brain cancer as it stole her mental clarity and ultimately her life; as the owner of a home care company that supported thousands of families living their own versions of the same journey; and as a researcher, lecturer, and consultant traveling the world to learn from family caregivers and their professional helpers. Now he shares his insights in 18 brief, thoughtful chapters that examine the many facets of caregiving. He explores how caregiving reshapes family relationships, challenges comfortable assumptions, and stresses your ability to manage your time, energy, and emotions. Blight shows how the changing mental and physical state of a loved one can lead to growing vulnerability, need, and loneliness on the part of care receiver and caregiver alike. He shares stories that vividly capture the unique daily realities of the caregiving life. And he offers candid, practical advice that can help family caregivers do a better job of coping with the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges they face. The Caregiver’s Companion By Deborah A. Boyle, MSN, RN, AOCNS, FAAN Kindle; print As a family caregiver, you know all too well that the role comes with almost www.BusinessWomanPA.com

no training, little warning, and minimal support from the healthcare team. You may be left feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and in over your head. The caregiver’s world is forever changed when struggling with the “new norm” of caring for an ill loved one. During a serious illness, family caregivers deliver most patient care. But little has been done to support this essential and ever-expanding role. This book aims to change this. The Caregiver’s Companion is a heartfelt exploration into the plight of family caregivers. It includes current strategies, compelling research, and engaging exercises from the perspective of someone who has worn the shoes of both a family caregiver and a healthcare professional. Author Deborah Boyle’s dual experiences as professional nurse and caregiver to her father and her husband allow for scientific and practical solutions to the many complex problems encountered in the family caregiver role. The family caregiver’s journey is unlike any other. This book provides the direction you need to move forward. Everything You Need to Know About Caregiving for Parkinson’s Disease By Lianna Marie Kindle; print Caregiving for those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease comes with many challenges, from how to deal with guilt and loneliness to avoiding burnout and figuring out what to expect from an unpredictable disease. When giving care, too often caregivers neglect their own well-being. Everything You Need to Know About Caregiving for Parkinson’s Disease is not just about caring for your loved one, but also about taking care of yourself. Lianna Marie served as caregiver for more than 20 years after her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Drawing on firsthand experience, her training as a nurse, and the many stories of others she has helped and counseled over www.BusinessWomanPA.com

the years, Marie shares her wisdom and advice — practical and emotional. Written accessibly and without jargon, Everything You Need to Know provides an essential resource full of useful information for all caregivers of those with Parkinson’s disease. Parenting Your Parents By Grant and Tammy Ethridge Audible; print If you are currently providing care for your aging parents or facing the prospect of doing so in the near future, you are definitely not alone. Dr. Grant Ethridge and his wife, Tammy, have been there, having given care during their dads’ last days. They know the stress and uncertainty you face. Through their story and those of other caregivers, the Ethridges share research and practical tips to aid you in dealing with everyday caregiving struggles and situations. You will learn how to decide which care is best, prepare legal documents, handle family disputes, and more, including biblical advice and encouragement. Looking after an elderly or sick parent is a physically and emotionally draining experience. Let this book give you the tools you need to be successful without giving away your peace of mind in the process. Where Should Mom Live? Living Arrangements for Older Adults By Laura Town and Karen Hoffman Kindle; audible Changing health needs of an older loved one can make it hard to know where they should live. Balancing their best interest with your abilities and resources can create stress and worry. Preparing to make decisions about their care and housing in advance will help you focus your energy on your loved one and ease their transition from one living situation to another. This book provides information about living arrangements, services, and facilities

available for older adults. The simple checklists in this book will show you how to: • Help your loved one maintain independence as long as possible • Modify your loved one’s home for safety and comfort • Determine the need for home services and home healthcare • Transition your loved one from their home to a caregiver’s home • Understand the pros and cons of moving your loved one into your home • Prevent caregiver burnout • Move your loved one to an assisted living or full-time care facility In addition, this book also looks at units that provide specialized care for memory problems and discusses what to do in the event that your loved one is placed in a psychiatric facility. Necessary Conversations: Between Families and Their Aging Parents By Gerald W. Kaufman and L. Marlene Kaufman Print In this timely book, longtime family counselors Gerald and Marlene Kaufman urge aging people, their adult children, family members, and other caretakers to talk directly with each other about the decisions that lie ahead as they age. “Do it before a crisis hits,” say the Kaufmans. “A good time to start is when the parents retire.” Necessary Conversations focuses on four primary areas: • Parents’ finances • Parents’ medical care • Parents’ living arrangements • When to stop driving This honest and resourceful guide for aging adults and their family members includes helpful suggestions for starting these conversations and overcoming confrontation.

caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

DIRECTORY OF HOUSING & CARE PROVIDERS Bethany Village 325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

717.766.0279 bvmarketingdept@asbury.org www.bethanyvillage.org

Patriot Home Care 208 North Third Street, Suite 200 Harrisburg, PA 17101

717.406.2537 mstehman@patriot-hc.com www.patriothomecare.org

Bethany Village is a not-for-profit retirement community. Numerous residential options are available as well as assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing services. See ad on page 7

Patriot Home Care works with state insurance companies to those in need who qualify as low income to provide nonmedical care so that you can stay comfortably in your own home. See ad on page 15

Diakon Senior Living Services – Cumberland Crossings / Frey Village 1022 North Union Street www.DiakonSeniorLiving.org Middletown, PA 17057 Cumberland Crossings: StantonM@diakon.org Frey Village: BrandtJ@diakon.org

Providence Place Senior Living

Worry-free living designed to enhance well-being and health, with a vibrant lifestyle … with the perfect blend of privacy, hospitality, and care—in a safe environment! See ad on page 13

Homeland Center 1901 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102

Homeland Center, a continuing care retirement community, offers beautiful personal care suites, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and dementia care. Our community outreach programs serve counties throughout the south-central Pennsylvania region, and include Hospice, HomeHealth, and HomeCare. See ad on page 5

Homeland Hospice, HomeHealth, 717.857.7400 and HomeCare info@homelandathome.org 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270 HomelandatHome.org Harrisburg, PA 17110 Homeland at Home, a community outreach of Homeland Center, provides a continuum of At Home care services—from nonmedical personal assistance to wound care, teleheath monitoring, and physical and occupational therapy, as well as compassionate hospice care. See ad on page 5

Life Time Adult Day Care 27 Miller Street, Suites 2 & 3 Lemoyne, PA 17043

Our age-in-place communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care (early or late-stage) in a scenic setting. See ad on page 21

SpiriTrust Lutheran 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue York, PA 17404

717.221.7900 info@homelandcenter.org HomelandCenter.org

717.975.9762 jzarker@cparc.org www.cparc.org

717.520.0330 info@Prov-Place.com www.providence-place.com

717.854.3971 mwilliams@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

For 60 years, SpiriTrust Lutheran has been providing seniors throughout York, Adams, and Franklin counties with homes and services designed to meet their needs. See our ad and listings for locations and contact information. See ad on page 32

SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Gettysburg 1075 Old Harrisburg Road Gettysburg, PA 17325 See ad on page 32

717.334.4443 jkeefer@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Kelly Drive 750 Kelly Drive York, PA 17404 See ad on page 32

717.854.5010 bgrieb@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Luther Ridge 2736 Luther Drive Chambersburg, PA 17202 See ad on page 32

717.261.1251 edoub@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

Providing daytime compassionate care and support to participants and their caregivers. Social and recreational activities, trained staff, and lunch provided. 28

BUSINESSWoman caregiver solutions 2021

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DIRECTORY OF HOUSING & CARE PROVIDERS SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Shrewsbury 800 Bollinger Drive Shrewsbury, PA 17361 See ad on page 32 SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Sprenkle Drive 1802 Folkemer Circle York, PA 17404 See ad on page 32 SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Utz Terrace 2100 Utz Terrace Hanover, PA 17331 See ad on page 32 SpiriTrust Lutheran® Home Care & Hospice See ad on page 32

717.235.5737 pmitchell@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

717.764.9994 bgrieb@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

717.637.0633 lsterner@spiritrustlutheran.org www.spiritrustlutheran.org

SpiriTrust ® LIFE 800.840.9081 (Living Independence For the Elderly) See ad on page 32 www.spiritrustlutheranlife.org

Visiting Angels 1840 East Market Street York, PA 17402

717.751.2488 information@visitingangelsyork.com www.visitingangels.com

Providing in-home, non-medical care to older adults in York, Lancaster, and Hanover. Specializing in dementia care for adults and their families. See ad on page 17 Visiting Angels 4607 Locust Lane Harrisburg, PA 17109

717.652.8899 717.737.8899 visitingangelshbg@comcast.net www.visitingangels.com

800.840.9081 www.spiritrustlutheranhomecare.org

Nursing Care Community Rehabilitation Facility Respite Care Adult Day Center Home Care Services Hospice Care Palliative Care

Color Key For Directory of Caregiving Providers Independent Residences Personal Care Home Assisted Living Residence Dementia Units

Care Options Home Health Care may be provided in a residential setting or as ancillary services wherever you call home. May be medical home health or non-medical services, such as light housekeeping, transportation to doctor visits, shopping, respite, and more. Hospice Care is for families living and coping with a life-limiting illness. Hospice provides professional treatment of pain and symptom management with support and counseling. Assisted Living Residences (ALRS) are designed to provide housing and supportive services to allow residents to “age in place.” As of January 2011, licensure requirements for ALRs became effective. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Adult Day Centers offer programs in facilities or independent organizations for hourly or daily adult supervision. Nursing/Rehab Facilities offer skilled or intermediate levels of care. Intermediate Care Facilities are for individuals who can move around the facility on their own initiative, even in a wheelchair, and are not bed bound. Skilled Nursing Facilities are for patients who require 24-hour nursing supervision, many of whom are confined to bed for some portion of the day. CCRCs are communities offering a variety of living options in addition to comprehensive medical and nursing services.

Personal Care Homes offer food, shelter, and personal assistance or supervision. They are ideal for people who do not require the services of a long-term care facility but need help with transferring in and out of a bed, toileting, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living. Respite Care provides normal caregiving opportunities on a short-term basis. May range from personal to nursing care, at home or in a care community. Retirement Communities and 55+ Adult Communities are planned for active individuals who are able to care for their own basic needs but want to live with other 50+ mature adults.

caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

DIRECTORY OF ANCILLARY SERVICES AREA AGENCIES ON AGING Chester County Area Agency on Aging Cumberland County Aging and Community Services Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging Lancaster County Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging York County Area Agency on Aging See ad on this page

DISABILITY SERVICES

610.344.6350 717.240.6110 717.780.6130 717.299.7979 717.273.9262 717.771.9610 www.p4a.org

COMPLEMENTARY ASSISTANCE Cumberland County Aging and Community Services 1100 Claremont Road Carlisle, PA 17015

717.240.6110 aging@ccpa.net www.ccpa.net/119/AgingCommunity-Services

Provides service coordination for LTSS (Long-Term Services and Supports) Waiver Program participants in Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin counties. Dauphin County Area Agency On Aging 717.780.6130 2 South Second Street info@dauphinc.org Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.dauphincounty.org Dauphin County Area Agency On Aging provides services to older adults who reside in Dauphin County and are age 60 or older. Lancaster County Office of Aging Caregiver Support Program 150 North Queen Street, Suite 415 Lancaster, PA 17603

717.299.7979 800.801.3070 aging@co.lancaster.pa.us www.lancoaging.org

Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Services 1100 Claremont Road Carlisle, PA 17015

800.753.8827 www.carelink.pa.gov

A shared, statewide approach for long-term service and support for all populations — regardless of age, income, or ability — including all payers: federal, state, local, and private. See ad on page 23

LEGAL Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP Barbara Reist Dillon, Wanda S. Whare 212 North Queen Street Lancaster, PA 17603

717.299.3726 bdillon@n-hlaw.com wwhare@n-hlaw.com www.n-hlaw.com

Areas of expertise include: elder law, wills, powers of attorney, living wills, medical powers of attorney, and estate settlement. Offices in Lancaster, Columbia, Elizabethtown, and Quarryville.

RELOCATION SERVICES Caring Transitions Mechanicsburg 717.609.1079

Caring Transitions Lancaster 717.471.1463

Two locations in Central Pennsylvania! A total solution provider offering downsizing, space planning, move management, packing, resettling, estate sales, online auctions, house clean-outs, and more! See ad on page 11

The Caregiver Support Program provides caregivers with benefits counseling and reimbursement for related expenses and home modifications.

Responding Responding to to the the Needs Needs of of Americans Americans 60 60 and and Over Over

Advocacy. Action. Answers on Aging. Contact your local agency for assistance 30

BUSINESSWoman caregiver solutions 2021

www.p4a.org

(See listings above). www.BusinessWomanPA.com

— Support and Information — AgingCare.com 239.594.3222 www.agingcare.com

Eldercare Locator 800.677.1116 www.eldercare.gov

All About Vision www.allaboutvision.org

Epilepsy Foundation of America 800.332.1000 www.epilepsy.com

American Cancer Society Response Line 800.227.2345 www.cancer.org

National Institute of Mental Health Information Line 866.615.6464 www.nimh.nih.gov National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped 888.657.7323 www.loc.gov/nls

EyeCare America 877.887.6327 www.eyecareamerica.org

National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. 800.473.4636 www.parkinson.org

American Diabetes Association 800.342.2383 www.diabetes.org

Family Caregiver Alliance 800.445.8106 www.caregiver.org

American Speech Language-Hearing Association 800.638.8255 www.asha.org

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind 800.548.4337 www.guidedog.org

American Urological Association 410.689.3700 or 866.746.4282 www.auanet.org Arthritis Foundation Information 800.283.7800 www.arthritis.org

Medicare 800.633.4227 www.medicare.gov

Needy Meds 800.503.6897 www.needymeds.org Office of Minority Health Resource Center 800.444.6472 www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov PACE/PACENET 800.225.7223 www.aging.state.pa.us/aging

Medicare Rights 800.333.4114 www.medicarerights.org Medicare Telephone Hotline 800.633.4227 www.medicare.gov

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services 800.692.7462 www.dhs.pa.gov

CareCentral www.carecentral.com

National Alliance for Caregiving 301.718.8444 www.caregiving.org

Rural Information Center 800.633.7701 www.nal.usda.gov/ric

Caregiver Action Network 202.454.3970 www.caregiveraction.org

National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information www.longtermcare.gov

RxAssist www.rxassist.org

Caregiver Media Group 800.829.2734 www.caregiver.com

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, Inc. 212.269.7797 www.ncadd.org

BenefitsCheckUp 571.527.3900 www.benefitscheckup.org

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation 800.225.0292 www.christopherreeve.org Community Action Network www.caregiveraction.org Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 800.932.2423 www.ccfa.org www.BusinessWomanPA.com

National Health Information Center 240.453.8281 www.health.gov/nhic National Institute on Aging Information Center 800.222.2225 www.nia.nih.gov

Shriners Hospital for Children Referral Line 800.237.5055 www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org Simon Foundation for Continence 800.237.4666 www.simonfoundation.org Veterans Administration 855.260.3274 www.caregiver.va.gov

caregiver solutions 2021 BUSINESSWoman

A Spirit of Service, A Legacy of Trust

Enjoy more time with those you love and less worrying about future “what-ifs” with SpiriTrust Lutheran’s® family of services. Our spirit of caring has enhanced the lives of seniors and earned the trust of thousands for 70 years. SpiriTrust Lutheran® Life Plan Communities includes six campuses: • The Village at Gettysburg, Gettysburg • The Village at Kelly Drive, York • The Village at Luther Ridge, Chambersburg • The Village at Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury • The Village at Sprenkle Drive, York • The Village at Utz Terrace, Hanover These communities feature: • Maintenance-free retirement living in one of our residential neighborhoods • Support with daily activities in one of our personal care or assisted living neighborhoods • Specialized care in our memory support assisted living neighborhood • Short-term rehabilitation or nursing care in one of our skilled care centers

SpiriTrust Lutheran® LIFE, Living Independence for the Elderly, features a personalized program with medical and personal care assistance, recreation therapy, and social opportunities for those 55+. Services are conveniently provided in the participant’s home or at one of two LIFE Centers in Enola and Chambersburg. SpiriTrust Lutheran® Home Care & Hospice provides health care and related services to those striving to achieve the highest quality of life, as well as in-home medical, spiritual and emotional support from an interdisciplinary team of caregivers.

Come discover the SpiriTrust Lutheran not-for-profit, faith-based difference and expand life’s possibilities!

www.SpiriTrustLutheran.org

Pet Friendly

Caregiver Solutions 2021

Articles inside

Good Reads

Directory of Ancillary Services

Exhaustion or Empathy Fatigue?

Caregiver Support Programs

Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies

Free Service is Available to Veterans

Build a Better Healthcare Budget

Frequently Asked Questions

7 Ways of Helping a Person with Dementia Symptoms Feel Less Anxious

Technology That Can Help You Locate Things You Misplace

Cloth Face Coverings and Distancing Pose Communication Challenges for Many

How to Choose a Hospice Program

Vitamin D, Aging, and COVID

How to Choose a Medical Alert System