16 minute read
SENIORS
Celebrating 100 Years of Life
Centenarian Was Around for WWII and the Start of Southern Living, Fueled Creation of Cahaba River Society
By Solomon CrenShaw Jr.
Judy Butler didn’t let a first impression keep her from learning more about Eugene Britt Butler, the man who would become her husband.
She lived up the hill from Butler in Vestavia Hills’ River Run community and had come home to tend to her dog, Molly.
“Britt was in my yard where that playground equipment is with a chain saw one day when I came home,” she recalled. “He was in my yard with a chain saw, and you don’t argue with a man with a chain saw.”
Turns out Britt – as he’s generally known – was being a good neighbor, cutting up a couple of fallen trees.
“He was doing me a favor,” Judy said. “That’s how we met. From there on it was history. We would walk around the block, walk our dogs and what have you.
“I told him my life story so he knew all my warts and all,” she said. “Likewise, he did the same for me.”
Except Britt didn’t divulge his age and she couldn’t figure out how old he was.
“He would talk about the war,” Judy recalled. “I know it wasn’t in Vietnam because he’s older than that. I don’t know anything about Korea. He never did tell me how old he was. Never did.” The “war” about which he spoke was World War II, and he is about to celebrate his 100th birthday. Judy knows now that Britt was 78 when they met, and she was 53. She had no clue he was that old. “He did not look it or act it,” she said. “He would play golf at Altadena.” The couple started going to UAB basketball games and per-
In 1988, Britt started formances of a symphony orchesa non-profit founda- tra. “Before I knew it, he popped tion called ABAHAC, the question,” she said. “I nearly which is Cahaba passed out. I’m like, ‘Ughhhh.’” spelled backward. At 75, Judy is nearly 25 years Journal photo by Jordan Wald From this foundation, the Cahaba River Society was born. younger than Britt, who was born on Oct. 31, 1922. “I’m 75 and Britt will be 100 on Halloween,” she said. “His grandfather delivered him; he’s a doctor in Memphis, was a doctor in Memphis. When Britt was born, he said, ‘Spooky has arrived.’ “He went by Spooky for a long time, I guess
See BRITT, page 28
What Legal Documents Should Seniors Have?
Aging is a natural part of life, and there comes a time when seniors require more help. Whether they become injured, ill, or develop dementia, they may need someone to assist with decision making and ensure their affairs are in order. This can be a challenging time for families, but advanced planning can make the process run more smoothly.
There are a variety of essential documents that seniors should put in place while they are still of sound mind and able to make decisions for themselves. Make sure that documents are all together in a secure location where a trusted family member or friend can access them if need be. Here are a few tips to get started:
FINANCIALS
Work with a financial advisor to get banking and bill payments in order. Make a list of recurring bills, when they are paid, and how. Write down bank account numbers, credit card information, any debts or liabilities, any investments like stocks or bonds, and any sources of income. Check with the bank about how to designate someone else permission to access financial accounts to pay bills. Seniors may also want designated a durable financial power of attorney.
Compile important financial documents such as:
Deeds to any homes
Title and registration for any vehicles
Insurance policies
Most recent income tax return
Healthcare
Decisions regarding healthcare can be stressful if family members are unsure what their loved ones would want. Seniors should let their wishes be known before they become incapacitated. Some documents to help include:
Advanced Directive: This document outlines what type of care the person wants to receive, including ventilators, feeding tubes, or resuscitation.
Durable Power of Attorney: This designates the person who will make medical decisions on the senior’s behalf should they be unable to make those decisions for themselves.
Release of Information: This gives healthcare providers or organizations permission to share healthcare information with approved individuals.
Insurance Information: Make copies of any health insurance cards and policies, as well as long-term care insurance.
Emergency Information: Write down the names and contact numbers of any healthcare providers, the dates of any surgeries or procedures that were performed, details about any medical conditions, and an updated list of all medications taken.
OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
There are a few other documents to keep in mind as well:
Revocable Trust: Seniors decide who will receive what property or assets and when. Once they pass, having this document in place avoids a lengthy probate process and keeps decisions private rather than part of public record.
Will: This form details exactly how the senior’s assets should be handled, and who should care for any dependents.
End-of-Life Planning: Seniors may want to outline instructions for what happens once they pass away and what type of memorial they would like. Some people pay in advance for funeral arrangements or burial plots.
Legal Records: Compile copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, military records, etc.
The more prepared and organized seniors and their families are, the easier it can make things during emergency situations or end-of-life care. These situations can be difficult to think about or discuss, but having these conversations and putting legal documents in place is vital. Don’t forget to inform any caregivers about important information they should know about advanced directives and emergency contacts as well.
To learn about how non-medical in-home care can fit into your loved one’s plans and enhance their quality of life, schedule a free consultation by contacting Always Best Care at 205874-9730 or email Jennifer Mancuso, above, at jmancuso@abc-seniors.com.
Every client gets love and attention from Always Best Care Clinical Director, Tammy, our Registered Nurse. We provide free, regular nurse health and wellness visits to all clients!
Let Us Take Care of Your Loved Ones
IN-HOME CARE
• bathing • grooming • housekeeping • meal preparation • incontinence care • medical reminders • transportation • skilled nursing services
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• routine RN health and wellness visits • routine supervisory visits • regular balance testing
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Danberry at Inverness
The Unique Choice in Senior Living
Even more than larger floor plans, gorgeous architecture, and outstanding amenities—Danberry at Inverness frees you to create a lifestyle all your own, with
Independent Living, Assisted
Living, and Memory Care all right here. More peace of mind.
And a lot more fun! Call (205) 443-9500.
In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an upscale development built around a golf-course or waterfront with few personal services.
But today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby boomers increasingly demand an environment that not only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportunities to remain mentally and physically active in a soothing natural setting.
In other words, they want an address that redefines retirement.
Danberry at Inverness senior living community, located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, just off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an inspiring approach to retirement living that feels unique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes natural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment. Residents can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bedroom luxury apartment homes which are appointed with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English gardens and flowering landscapes complete these picture-perfect residences.
The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and natural surroundings only add to the peaceful, stress-reducing environment.
“We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else - one that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new things about yourself and your environment,” said Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger.
Get more out of life at
Danberry at Inverness Residents enjoy:
•Flexible dining options •Transportation •Housekeeping •Fitness Center •Wellness Clinic •24-hour nursing •Indoor resort-style pool •Full-service salon & spa •Card & billiard rooms •Creative arts studio •Movie theater •And much more!
Comprehensive health and wellness services for independent living, assisted living and memory care lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and they are offered in meticulously designed environments that invite nature indoors. For example, throughout the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamlessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the atrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, mail/communications room). Dining is available in the formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace. OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl life A Dynamic Approach to Wellness The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessoriented retirement communities are many: ample Danberry at Inverness opportunities to stay as strong and independent as possible, staying in the mainstream of activities and Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as one of the nation’s top communities in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the events and keeping a healthy outlook on life. Danberry premier online ratings and reviews site for senior living communities at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all nationwide. The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living under one roof, such as “senior-friendly” spa services, communities that receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews a fully equipped fitness center, classes including Tai from residents, families, and visitors. “Receiving this des ignation places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities Chi, aerobics, water yoga and Pilates, a private senior-nationwide,” said Danberry at Inverness marketing director, Lori friendly heated indoor, resort-style saltwater pool and a Krueger. “We are so proud that so many—especially our residents— wellness clinic. consider us to be one of the best of the best.” “Our residents will tell
“We make sure our residents have every opportuniLocated in Inverness on you that they wish they’d ty to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new way,” said Krueger. “In other words, we help them Lake Heather, Danberry at Inverness is a senior living community for adults 55 and moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled design a future filled with fun!”older with every convenience and rewarding retireThis community really must be seen to be believed, so stop by Danberry at Inverness today, visit DanberryAtInverness.com or call 443-9500. and amenity imaginable, including a clubhouse with card rooms, a ballroom, indoor swimming pool, creative art studio, salon/ ment lifestyle they find at Danberry. And we love serving them!” lori Krueger, marketing director, spa, theater, fitness studio, Danberry at Inverness. innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping. For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available.
“Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!”
Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company.
Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500.
Congress is in session –ARE YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE?
Our speaker is William G. Nolan, an accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney with the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on the subject of Veterans benefits.
You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care.
Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13
ABOVE: Residents spending time together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.
Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry. Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.
Veterans benefits have been available since WWII...
yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits”.
235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242 The Future of Your VA Benefits Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
DanberryAtInverness.com Refreshments and Door Prizes 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL Limited Availability!
The changes that Congress proposes are not yet law but their intent is clear – they want to make it much harder for Veterans and widows to obtain their pensions. Consider applying for your pension now, before it becomes more difficult!
Distinctively Different Retirement Living
235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242
www.DanberryAtInverness.com
RSVP to (205) 443-9500. Limited Seating.
From page 25 until he went to the service,” the wife of 22 years said. “I’m not sure, but that was a nickname that they gave him.”
A Multifaceted Man
Britt lives a quiet life these days, rising late and taking frequent naps. During a recent meeting, he wore a 5-pointed star belt buckle and a blue ski cap with a bald eagle and the words: “Proud To Be An American.”
The native Texan attended Texas A&M for two years, partly because his mother wouldn’t let him enlist. In the interim, he worked as a surveyor for the highway department. That served him well as he did that job with the Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees.
“They had just developed this particular unit of the Navy so he joined,” Judy said. “Because he had surveying experience, they made him an officer. He served in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and then also in the South Pacific.”
Britt returned to Dallas after his stint with the Seabees. By then, his grandfather Tate Butler had started Progressive Farmer magazine. The young veteran followed his father into the business.
“By that time, they had an office in Birmingham so he moved to Birmingham,” Judy said. “He was their pencil-counter, more or less. His job was to watch the family jewels – supplies and stuff like that. He was in charge of buying things. Then he was on the board of directors with the whole deal.” The company launched Southern Living magazine in 1966. Nearly two decades later, in 1985, Southern Living was sold to Time Inc. for $498 million, the most ever paid for a publishing company at the time. Britt has had other interests. He was a volunteer deputy sheriff, what Judy called “a weekend warrior.” He was also involved with Boy Scouts, which opened his
The former troop eyes to conservation. leader funded sev- The former troop leaderal efforts to pre- er funded several efforts to serve clean water preserve clean water in the in the state and pro- state and protect green tect green spaces. spaces. “It should be important to all of us,” he told ABC 33/40 in 2016, “because without the trees and the water and the lakes and stuff, we wouldn’t be around; we wouldn’t be around very long.” In 1988, Britt started a non-profit foundation called ABAHAC, which is Cahaba spelled backward. From this foundation, the Cahaba River Society was born. The soon-to-be centenarian gave 38 of his 43 acres to the Freshwater Land Trust as part of his commitment to not let it be developed. “He fusses every time I want to cut down a tree,” Judy said.
The Crossings at Riverchase – a retirement community with independent living, assisted living and memory care – held its official debut and community open house last month.
The community is built on the idea of offering residents as much assistance as they want to take part in activities designed with seniors in mind, such as senior wellness and exercise programs, transportation to shopping areas and other activities and events.
It offers “a new approach to purposefully designed senior living with a refreshed emphasis on flexible living options, neighborly surroundings and distinct features to encourage residents to ‘live inspired,’” according to a press release.
The Crossings opened in February and includes 90 independent living apartments, 72 assisted living apartments and 36 memory care residences.
Multiple dining areas serve meals prepared with a farm-to-table philosophy.
A variety of activity rooms and public living spaces are available for the seniors, including a fitness center and therapy gym, a library with reading areas and computer stations, a pub/lounge, hair salon and barbershop, theater, creative arts studio and game room.
The complex has a calendar of activities and events; it sponsored a low-country boil earlier this week.
Maintenance of all units is provided by the company, as are housekeeping and linen services.
The Crossings is at 2171 Parkway Lake Drive in Hoover, just off U.S. 31, and is managed by Greenbrier Senior Living.
Access to medical care also is available at the complex. A nurse is available every day and doctors visit weekly. Physical therapy also is offered.
Short-term stays and respite care also are available at The Crossings.
“Full of outstanding experiences and neighborly surroundings, senior living at The Crossings offers everything you want and so much more than you expect,” the press release stated.
Senior Living Community The Crossings at Riverchase Dedicated in Hoover
Attending The Crossings at Riverchase’s ribbon cutting and open house ceremony last month were, from left, staff members of The Crossings at Riverchase Lisa Tinney, Jody Mason, Josh Hullet and Greenbrier Senior Living president Michael Mays.
