Living Well 60+ January–February 2017 by Rockpoint Publishing

A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR YOUR GENERATION JAN / FEB 2017 VOL. 12 ISSUE 6

ENTERTAINMENT • HEALTH • BARGAINS • LIFESTYLE

A New Year MAKING GREAT CHOICES IN 2017 Looking forward to a bright, exciting, challenging future full of possibility and surprise!

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Contents

Jan/Feb 2017

The Floral Beauty of Keukenhof Gardens

ELDER LAW: What you don’t know about gifting, the $14,000 annual gift exclusion, and Medicaid.

Annual GAP Conference Continues to Grow

10 Avoiding an Audit: Be prepared, keep good records 11 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

13 Compassionate Friends Helps When Parents Lose a Child 14 Finding the Right Living Option for Your Elderly Loved Ones 16 EVENTS CALENDAR: January – February 2017 18 SENIOR SERVICES DIRECTORY 21 FINANCIAL: The Federal Arbitration Act 24 8 Reflections for a New Year of Caregiving 25 2016 Scorecard on Local Health System Performance 26 How to Help with a Partner with a Mental Illness 27 AGE ALLOWS: Writing for Senior Adults

Angela S. Hoover

Martha Evans Sparks

Dr. Tom Miller

Tanya J. Tyler

Lisa M. Petsche

TaNiqua Ward

ROCK POINT PUBLISHING Brian Lord / Publisher

Jennifer Lord / Customer Relations Specialist Barry Lord / Sales Representative Anastassia Zikkos / Sales Representative Janet Roy / Graphic Designer

Living Well 60+ is a proud product of

ROCKPOINT Publishing

Living Well 60+ can be found in 19 central Kentucky counties and is distributed to over 900 locations, including senior centers, retirement homes, hospitals, clinics and specialty shops. You can also pick up your FREE copy of Living Well 60+ at most grocery and convenience stores as well as many restaurants throughout Central KY.

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28 HOBBIES: Inventors Network KY 29 FAMILY VISION: Autism and Eyesight 30 GARDENING: Winter Garden Tips 31 Near-Death Experiences Bring People Into New Way of Being

FROM THE

Dear Friends, As a new year begins, we are often tempted to look back on the just-passed 12 months with a mingling of regret and happiness. I’ve learned not to dwell on the past. I can’t change it, so I just accept it. I make a point to learn from my mistakes and to urge myself to make better life choices and strive to

Charles Sebastian

Kim Blackburn / Sales Representative

12 Courageous Conversations: Time to Have a Talk

EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS Donald Hoffman

Tanya J. Tyler, Editor | Share your story: tanyaj@twc.com

be a better person. As Frank Sinatra sang, “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” I’d much rather look forward to a bright, exciting, challenging future full of possibility and surprise. I glanced out my window just this moment and saw the clear bright horizon. It is exciting to think about what is over that horizon: new friends to meet,

859-368-0778 e-mail brian@rockpointpublishing.com © Copyright LIVING WELL 60+ Magazine 2017. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the material in this magazine in whole or in part without written prior consent is prohibited. Articles and other material in this magazine are not necessarily the views of Living Well 60+ Magazine. Living Well 60+ Magazine reserves the right to publish and edit, or not publish any material that is sent. Living Well 60+ Magazine will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. The information in Living Well 60+ Magazine should not be considered as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment.

new ideas to explore, new places to visit. When you’re Living Well 60 Plus (and I hope you are), the far horizon isn’t frightening, it’s exhilarating. I hope 2017 is the year you set out with purpose and pizzazz for that elusive dream on the other side of your horizon.

Tanya

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

The Floral Beauty of Keukenhof Gardens Floral showcase is a botanical treasure by Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer

Perhaps one of the most special gardens on earth is in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Keukenhof Gardens is the international independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. Keukenhof is considered the royal supplier of flowers. It has almost 100 exhibitors who give their very best range of flowering bulbs for display in the park. With these bulbs, the garden designer creates a special design for each exhibitor. In the space of eight weeks, Keukenhof showcases what the Dutch floricultural market has to offer. The focus in the park is on the 7 million springflowering bulbs, which is a chance for the participating companies to display their living catalogue. In more than 20 flower shows, 500 growers present an enormous variety of cut flowers and potted plants.

The history of Keukenhof goes back to the 15th century. The name means “kitchen garden.” Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria, Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436) gathered fruit and vegetables from the woods and dunes for the kitchen at Teylingen Castle. Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641, and the estate grew to include over 200 hectares. In 1949, a group of 20 flower-bulb exporters came up with a plan to use the estate for a permanent exhibition of springflowering bulbs. That signaled the birth of Keukenhof Gardens Park. The park opened its gates to the public in 1950 and was an instant success, with 236,000 visitors in the first year. During the past 66 years, Keukenhof has become a world-famous attraction. In 2016, the 67th edition of Keukenhof took place with “The Golden Age” as its theme. The variety of gardens featured at Keukenhof make it a park to enjoy. The inspirational gardens provide a link to present-day floral trends. Visitors will discover a

tasteful garden with bulb flowers in lovely shades of pink and red varieties of tulips devoted to romance and love. The “sensory garden” is a new inspirational garden designed by the most famous of Dutch gardeners, Rob Verlinden. In the sensory garden, feeling, smell and sight are the points of focus. Among the most unique of the gardens is the Delfts Blauw garden. Midway through the 17th century, the potters in Delft managed to copy the Chinese bluewhite porcelain earthenware. Delft Blue became extremely popular. To this day, the blue-white combination is used widely, and in this garden there is a wonderful assortment of blue and white flowers. As recent visitors to Keukenhof, my wife and I found the “Historical Garden” a botanical treasure. Here the delicate, beautiful multicolored tulips share the story of the development of 400 years of tulip growth and cultivation in the Netherlands. We learned about the origin of the tulip and found

Keukenhof is considered the royal supplier of flowers. a reproduction of the Clusius garden, planted with tulip varieties that have been cultivated for four centuries. It was thanks to Carolus Clusius that the tulip became such an icon of the Netherlands. Any botanist or flower lover should include the Keukenhof Gardens on their bucket list. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D., ABPP, is a professor emeritus and senior research scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention, University of Connecticut; retired service chief from the VA Medical Center; and tenured professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky.

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ELDER LAW

What you don’t know about gifting, the $14,000 annual gift exclusion, and Medicaid. by Mary Ellis Patton Edited by Carolyn L. Kenton

Are you afraid to give a gift of more than $14,000 in any one year because you will have to pay taxes? Are you confident that making the $14,000 annual gift will keep you Medicaid complaint? If you ask an adult American how much they can give away each year without paying taxes, most will automatically respond, “$14,000.” It has become almost a part of the American DNA. Unfortunately, most people misunderstand the rule. The Gift Tax Rule

The annual gift tax exclusion is really a reporting rule. Any gift over $14,000 must be reported on a federal gift tax return, IRS form 709. This does not mean that you pay tax on it. Gifts reported on Form 709 count towards the lifetime federal gift tax exclusion (which in 2016 is $5.45 million per person). No tax is owed until the gift-giver exceeds total gifts of $5.45 million. Annual gift-givers can give to as many people as they wish. The $14,000 figure applies to gifts made to each individual person – not the total of the gifts made in a single year. Married couples can double the gift amount without being required to report. Yes, a married couple, can for example, give $28,000 to each of their children

(and their spouses) without having to report the gift. With proper planning, a married couple can gift $10.9 million, plus as many annual gifts as they choose, without paying gift tax. Why the Gift Tax Rule Doesn’t Matter

With the gift tax exclusion being at $5.45 million, few estates are paying federal gift tax. In fact, 99.8% of estates do not owe gift tax.1 That means that only the richest 0.2% of Americans are actually affected by this rule. If you want to give a large gift to a child or another loved one, there is likely nothing holding you back. Most Americans will simply not gift more than $5.45 million in their lifetime. There is no reason to fear, give your gift, fill out your Form 709, and enjoy. Gifting and Medicaid

The Gift Tax Rule is exclusively a tax rule. It is not a Medicaid rule. Medicaid does not take the gift tax rule into consideration and will penalize gifts made in the five years prior to the Medicaid application. Medicaid considers any gifts made in the five years prior to an application for Medicaid financial assistance to be made in contemplation of that assistance. Thus, Medicaid will assign a penalty period for gifts made within the five year “lookback” which starts when the client is “otherwise eligible” (eligible except for the gift) and has applied at the Medicaid

office for assistance. Medicaid calculates a penalty which is a period of time of ineligibility for financial assistance. For clients who have done no planning and now have a family member residing in a nursing home, lifetime gifting can still be beneficial as the family may be able to preserve up to half of the value of the gift by “curing” the gift in a “give-and-give-back” or “half-a-loaf ” strategy. This involves returning a portion of the gift in a prescribed manner and reapplying for Medicaid in a timely way. This strategy should only be done with an attorney’s help and supervision. Possible Tax Concerns for Gift Recipients

While the gift-giver will likely not have tax consequences for giving the gift and the gift recipient will not pay income tax on the gift, the recipient still needs to be aware of potential capital gains income taxes when he wishes to liquidate the asset. Under federal law, the new owner of the gifted asset retains the cost basis (often the acquisition cost) of the gift giver. Thus, if the gift giver’s home is the subject of the gift and the gift giver purchased the home for 25 percent of its current value, the gift-recipient owner, when selling the house, will incur a capital gain of 75 percent of the sale price. To avoid this result, the home can be sold by the gift giver using his $250,000 capital gains tax exclusion and gift the cash.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about using a gifting strategy in conjunction with your estate plans, you should contact an elder law attorney. Gifting can be a wonderful planning technique if you are able to weigh the benefits and consequences. SOURCES:

Joint Committee on Taxation, “History, Present Law, and Analysis of the Federal Wealth Transfer Tax System,” March 16, 2015, https://www.jct.gov/publications. html?func=startdown&id=4744. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Ellis Patton is an associate at Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC in Lexington, Kentucky. In her practice, Mary uses customized Powers-ofAttorney, Wills, and Trusts to help clients to achieve their financial, legal, and health care goals. Mary is licensed to practice law in bothKentucky and Ohio. She is the author of Chapter 13, Age Discrimination, of the Kentucky Practice Series, Elder Law Volume. She serves as the Secretary to the Elder Law Section of the Kentucky Bar. She is also a member of the Fayette County Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Mary earned her B.A. in Communication magna cum laude from the University of Kentucky in 2004. In 2007, she graduated with her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Annual GAP Conference Continues to Grow Keynote speaker offers insight about adopting grandchildren by Martha Evans Sparks, Staff Writer

When the first Grandparents as Parents (GAP) conference convened in Lexington 15 years ago, the pleasant facilities of the Fayette County Agricultural Extension office on Red Mile Place were roomy enough to accommodate the 100 or so people who attended. Times have changed. The 2017 Bluegrass Regional Grandparents and Relatives as Parents Conference has outgrown several previous venues and continues to grow. The 15th annual GAP Conference will be held at the Clarion Hotel at 1950

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Newtown Pike in Lexington on March 16. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the last session ends at 3:30 p.m. Attendance is expected to exceed 400. Joan Callander Dingle will bring the keynote address. “Refocus and Reconnect: Changing Childhoods, Restoring Hope, Enjoying Today” will help families parenting relatives’ children learn how to set boundaries (personal limits). Attendees will also learn how talking openly and honestly in age-appropriate conversations with children about birth parents will empower the stand-in parent and develop confidence and self-esteem in the children. Dingle knows what she’s talking about. She is a mother, grand-

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Avoiding an Audit Be prepared, keep good records by Jamie Lober, Staff Writer

All taxpayers dread it: the possibility of being audited. An audit is not as common a practice as you may believe. Kentucky Planning Partners found in 2015, the IRS audited 0.8 percent of all individual tax returns. The IRS defined an audit as a formal review of a tax return to ensure information is being reported according to current tax law and to verify the information itself is accurate. It does not necessarily mean you have done something wrong. The best way to avoid an audit is to file a legitimate tax return and have accurate documentation to support it. Always double check your return and make sure you don’t make any careless mistakes. Make sure you have all of your paperwork, including bank statements and income reports, handy before begin-

ning. A computer program such as Turbo Tax can be just the helping hand you need to avoid errors. While filing on paper versus electronically is a personal preference, studies show fewer errors are made when filing electronically, making it less likely you will be audited. Tax attorney Ken Sheppard Jr. says a common cause for the Kentucky Department of Revenue to run an audit is failure to report income. People don’t fail to report on purpose. Often it is because a W2 or 1099 was lost or arrived late. If you forget to report something, you can always ask for an amended W2 or 1099. In general, honesty is the best policy. AARP says people should avoid round numbers such as $1,200 or $1,500 because it suggests you may have been estimating. The IRS targets people it suspects may not

keep the best records, so don’t flag yourself. One of the most common myths about taxes is if you forget to put your signature on the form, you will be audited. However, the reality is the form will be returned to you and you will just have to sign it and return it. It is a common mistake to overlook certain places on the form, such as the boxes for your Social Security number. Do not leave anything blank. Kentucky Planning Partners says whether a tax return will be audited comes down to random selection; information matching or comparing reports filed from payers to taxpayers; related examinations; or having a transaction with another taxpayer whose return was chosen to be examined further. Save all your records so if you do need to reference anything you will be able to find it easily. It is always better to be prepared. If you are self-employed, have receipts for all the business deductions you claim. Ordinarily those who earn a high income are at the greatest risk of an audit because they tend to take

more deductions and give to more charities. Be cautious if you choose to claim business use of a vehicle. Keep a log of your mileage so you can validate where you have gone. People tend to feel more confident about their filing if they work with a certified public accountant. All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. The American Institute of CPAs defined the job as “a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals, whether it is saving for a new home, opening a new office or planning a multibillion dollar merger.” If you are audited, there is no reason to panic. It simply means the IRS will send you a notice requesting specific details about your return because it is looking for clarification on something. Do not ignore the notice, hoping the situation will go away. That will not happen. A trained tax professional will be glad to meet with you and address any questions or concerns you have prior to the audit.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rare but debilitating disorder has specific symptoms by Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the most common name used to designate a significantly debilitating medical disorder or group of disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue. CFS is often accompanied by other specific symptoms that persist for at least six months, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disorder is known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) and other terms. Biological, genetic, infectious and psychological mechanisms have been proposed for the development and persistence of symptoms with this disorder.

Persons with CFS may report a wide spectrum of symptoms that sometimes have a psychological etiology. These symptoms may include muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to light, sounds and smells, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression and cardiac and respiratory problems. Clinical researchers suggest as many as 75 percent of people with CFS experience migraines. Most migraines in ME/CFS are undiagnosed. Other symptoms of CFS include post-exertion malaise, unrefreshing sleep, widespread muscle and joint pain, sore throat, cognitive difficulties and chronic, often severe mental and physical exhaustion in a previously healthy, active person. Fatigue is a common symptom

in many illnesses, but CFS is comparatively rare. Estimates of its prevalence vary widely, from seven to 3,000 cases for every 100,000 adults. Some national health organizations have estimated more than 1 million Americans and approximately a quarter of a million people in Western Europe have CFS. The disorder occurs most often in adult women. Quality of life is particularly and uniquely disrupted in CFS. The Mayo Clinic (www. mayoclinc.org) notes the cause of CFS is currently unknown, although there are many theories ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Health care professionals recognize CFS may be triggered by a combination of factors. There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis of CFS. Because of the complexity of this condition, when CFS is suspected, a variety of medical tests may be needed to rule out other health problems with similar symptoms. Treatment for CFS focuses mainly on symptom relief and may in-

clude medication and psychological interventions. CFS may also be treated with physical exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. SOURCES AND RESOURCES:

Mayo Clinic. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. www.mayoclinic.org WebMD. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Health Center. www. webmd.com/chronic-fatiguesyndrome

There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndome.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Courageous Conversations: Time to Have a Talk It’s hard to discuss end-of-life issues but it’s important by Tanya J. Tyler, Living Well 60+ Editor

While it is difficult to talk about end-of-life issues, it’s vitally important that you communicate your wishes to your loved ones well before you need to. “It’s called having ‘courageous conversations,’” said Dr. Shahid Aziz, a medical ethicist and hospice and palliative care physician currently working with adults and children in multiple hospitals and hospices in the Baltimore/ Washington, D.C. area. Aziz says advanced care planning is part of palliative care. “Patients say, ‘Why do I have to talk about this now? Ask me when the time comes,’” Aziz said. “The fallacy in that is you never know what will happen or when it will

happen, and a majority of people will not be able to talk when it does. There are diseases where you lose the capacity to make decisions. You don’t want to get stuck in that situation.” How do you start the conversation with family and friends who are reluctant to discuss death and dying? Aziz says it’s as simple as sitting down together and showing them an article like this. You can discuss medical ethical questions about having your life prolonged by artificial means such as dialysis and IV nutrition. You can talk about DNRs (do not resuscitate in case of cardiac arrest) and other types of directives. These decisions about how you want to live – and die – are best made when you are still mentally capable and clearheaded. The bottom line is, only you can decide what living fully and con-

sciously means to you. Aziz offers the question: “What is the lowest level of existence that is OK for you?” You alone can answer that. Your physician’s role is to guide you through your illness and to be honest about the outcomes. He or she should ask: “Are you enjoying your life? Is it good? What do you want?” And he or she should respect and enforce your wishes. Out of his 20 years of experience in this discipline, Aziz offers some advice for creating a medical directive: • Make clear what is important to you. If you want doctors to stop treatment when it’s no longer beneficial, say so. • Note which artificial treatments you don’t want to prolong your life. You can also specify a time limit to artificial treatment. • Choose someone who knows what you want and don’t want to be your advocate. Have an alternative if possible. It doesn’t have to be a family member; it can be a friend. • Be sure to check your state laws to see if your doctor can go against your wishes. • Give a copy of your directives to people close to you as well as your doctor. • Review your instructions every year.

• The simpler it is, the better. Your list of wishes does not have to be notarized, but it does help if it is written down so when the time comes, your loved ones can consult it and ensure they are fulfilling their promises to you. If anyone protests a decision made on your behalf, the list can placate them and assure them that what is being done is what you wanted. A directive makes it easier to practice rational decision-making. And you can always change the document. “It’s a living plan, not a dying plan, so your doctor knows your goals and how to manage your care,” Aziz said. “We are working from the goals of living – how you want to live and how you don’t want to live.”

Only you can decide what living fully and consciously means to you.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Compassionate Friends Helps When Parents Lose a Child Support, hope and comfort are essential for coping by TaNiqua Ward, M.S., Staff Writer

The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent may face. You are not only losing a child; you are also losing a piece of yourself, and your future will be forever changed. Compassionate Friends is an organization that supports families that have lost a child. Its mission statement says: “When a child dies at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death

of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister or a grandchild and helps others better assist the grieving family.” Over 57,000 children under the age of 19 years die annually in the United States, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Regardless of the age or the cause of a child’s death, it is still devastating. It is important for families to seek help and support when facing such a difficult time. Compassionate Friends is available in hundreds of locations around the United States. Families come together and provide emo-

tional support to one another. The people who are part of the group have gone through similar experiences and are also going through a grieving process. Everyone suffers loss differently based on culture, religion and the relationship with the child who died. There is not a certain way to mourn the loss, so it is important to be surrounded by people who understand what you are experiencing. You can seek help through family therapy and support groups such as Compassionate Friends, but there are ways you can help yourself: • Try journaling your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it is easier to write what you are feeling instead of sharing it verbally with others. • If you feel comfortable, talk about your child. Share memories with people close to you. It may be painful at first, but it can also help you heal. • Engage in activities with your family. Try to maintain some sort of stability even though life may seem to be out of control.

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Your family can help you find that sense of control and some enjoyment. Families mourning the loss of a child should allow the grieving process to take place. There is no timetable on how long you should grieve and it is important to be patient with the process. It is also good and helpful to find ways to honor and remember the child as well. The love of a lost child unites the Compassionate Friends group and brings its members together. To learn more about how this group can help you, visit www. compassionatefriends.org.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Finding the Right Living Option for Your Elderly Loved Ones Involve the care recipient in making the choice by Tanya J. Tyler, Living Well 60+ Editor

As parents and other loved ones age, a prime concern is finding a place for them to live. Many senior housing options are available, forming a continuum of care that seeks to make the transition to each stage easy. You could choose to help your parents age in place in their own home, hiring home care personnel to help with daily living activities such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, taking medications and bathing. You might make modifica-

tions to the house, such as installing easy-access tubs and showers. You could choose to move them into your own home and care for them yourself. Or you could find an independent living community where your parents would interact with people of the same age and have moderate supervision. This option is best for those who are still in good shape mentally and physically and can take care of themselves without assistance. But if their health begins to fail or they suffer a setback such as a heart attack or stroke, the next option could be an assisted living

facility. Here they will be closely monitored by staff and get help with daily living activities. These facilities offer apartment-style living and often have amenities such as exercise rooms, restaurant-quality dining and opportunities for shopping and other off-site activities. When the care recipient becomes incapacitated to the point where he or she needs more intensive care, you can choose to place him or her in a skilled nursing home. Residents receive 24-hour supervision, health management support, physical or occupational therapy if necessary, meals and medication. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia can be placed in a memory care facility especially designed for these challenging conditions. Continuing care retirement communities encompass the options of independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing on one campus, so an elderly person can smoothly transition from one level of care to another as needed in a familiar environment. This option is becom-

ing increasingly popular. Unfortunately, many people put the decision off until a crisis hits. “I wish I could say people get proactive, but I’ve learned everybody waits for that crisis,” said eldercare expert Barbara McVicker, author of Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories and Tips on Caring for Mom and Dad and Before Things Fall Apart: Preparing to Care for Mom and Dad. McVicker cared for her aging parents for 10 years while raising her children and working as a development director. She had discovered her father sent $68,000 to scammers in Canada who told him he had won the Canadian lottery and needed to pay taxes on the winnings. Other events could trigger the sudden need to find an appropriate place for an ailing parent. “It could be a phone call that says, ‘Mom’s in the emergency room; she’s broken her hip,’” McVicker said. “We encounter that crisis and we haven’t had the conversation about where they will go.”

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As difficult as it may be, the time to discuss all the options is now. “The best gift families can give each other is to talk about it sooner rather than later,” McVicker said. “By not bringing up the topic, it makes all the aspects of caregiving – financial, emotional, physical – difficult.” With people living longer, caregiving can easily be a 15-year unpaid job. “Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint,” McVicker said. She helped her parents stay in their own home for several years, but eventually they moved to a continuing care retirement community. “There’s a point at which you either need to hire skilled people, such as RNs, or move to a place that can provide the level of care it takes,” McVicker said. People sometimes hesitate to move a parent into another type of facility because the parent has said, “Don’t ever put me in a nursing home.”

“We say OK, and as the situation deteriorates, we feel limited by that promise,” McVicker said. “There are so many great options now, but our parents have in mind the old nursing home ‘warehouse’ model and don’t understand how different and how engaged and how their health can even get better by being in some of these other situations.” This unrivaled senior living community will open Spring 2017 a McVicker advises making visits 2700 Man O’War Blvd. to different care facilities with your parent before he has to choose one. This unrivaled senior living community will o This can help him see what the APARTMENT HOMES: 2700 Man O’War Blvd. facility is like and he can talk to staff • Studio (limited availability) and residents about their experi• One Bedroom (Prime locations still available)HOM APARTMENT ences. This unrivaled senior living community will open Spring 2017list at options) • One Bedroom Deluxe (All pre-leased, • Studiowait (limited availabilit It’s most important to reassure 2700 Man O’War Blvd. • Two Bedroom with Two Baths (very limited • One Bedroom (Primeavailability) locations s the person that she will be involved unrivaled senior living•will community will open Spring 2017 at This unrivaledThis senior living community open Spring 2017 at One Bedroom Deluxe (All pre-leased, APARTMENT HOMES: in making the decision about where 2700 Man O’War Blvd. with Two Baths (very lim 2700 Man O’War Blvd. UNIQUE FEATURES: • Studio (limited availability) • Two Bedroom to live and to make sure they under• One Bedroom (Prime locations still• available) • Soaring High Ceilings Five Dining Options stand all their options. • One Bedroom Deluxe (All pre-leased, wait list options) APARTMENT HOMES: APARTMENT HOMES: UNIQUE FEATUR • Modern Full Size Kitchens • Indoor Saltwater Pool “We should say, ‘I will be there • Two Bedroom with Two Baths (very limited availability) • Studio (limited availability) • Studio (limited availability) • Soaring High Ceilings • Five • Classic Subway Tile Back Splashes • Sports Bar for you. I’m going to listen to you. • One Bedroom (Prime locations still available) UNIQUE FEATURES: • One Bedroom (Prime locations still available) • Modern Full Size Kitchens • Indo • Spacious Living Area • Cultural Arts Center Out of safety and support and • Bedroom Soaring(All Highpre-leased, Ceilings (All wait • Five Dining Options • One Deluxe pre-leased, wait list options) • One Bedroom Deluxe list options) • Classic Subway• Indoor Tile• Back Splashes • Spo love, we will make those decisions • Walk In Showers Theater and More! • Bedroom Modern Full Size Kitchens Saltwater Pool • Two with Two limited Baths (very limited availability) with TwoSubway Baths (very availability) together,’” McVicker said. • Two Bedroom • Tile Spacious Living Area • Cul • Crown Molding • Classic Back Splashes • Sports Bar • Spacious Living• Area • Cultural Arts Center Walk In Showers • The FEATURES: UNIQUE FEATURES: • WalkSocial InUNIQUE Showers • Theater and More! Events Month Over 100 and Educational Enriching • Crown MoldingLife • Crown Molding • Soaring Ceilings Five Dining Options • Soaring High CeilingsHigh • Five Dining• Options Full Kitchens • and Indoor Saltwater PoolEnrich Over•Educational 100 Social Educational • Modern Full• Modern Size Kitchens Indoor Saltwater Pool OverSize 100 Social and Life Enriching Events Monthly!Life • Classic Tile Back•Splashes • Classic Subway Tile Subway Back Splashes Sports Bar • Sports Bar • Spacious • Cultural • Spacious Living Area Living Area • Cultural Arts Center Arts Center • Walk In Showers • Walk In Showers • Theater and• Theater More! and More! • Crown Molding • Crown Molding

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Events Calendar JANUARY

Swing Lessons Every Tuesday: 8pm–10pm at Tates Creek Recreation Center, 1400 Gainesway Dr. $5.00 per person per lesson. Call for more information: Glenn and Rosalee Kelley 859-233-9947; OR Peter and Robin Young 859-224-3388.

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Send us your event listings

List your event for FREE if it’s free to the public*. E-mail your event information to brian@rockpointpublishing.com (*$35 fee for events that are not free to the public)

Ongoing

Yoga Health & Therapy Center Classes Our Yoga Classes feature slow stretch with gentle breathing, and relaxation techniques. Class size is small, to provide careful instruction. Yoga classes are offered Mon through Thurs (daytime and evening), and Sat mornings. Our Meditation Starter Course teaches simple ways to focus and quiet the mind; 5-week sessions are offered on Sundays at 5:30 pm. A nonprofit organization operating since 1981, The Yoga Health & Therapy Center is located at 322 W. 2nd St. Free private parking is provided for most classes. For more information on fees and scheduled dates and times, call us at 859-254-9529, or email us at info@yogahealthcenter.org

Sit and Get Fit Mondays and Fridays, 9:30am10:30am. FREE! This event is a seated controlled exercise/ movement class to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. It is taught by Anne Graff, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist certified by the American Senior Fitness Association as a Senior Fitness Instructor and trained in Body Recall. Also included are: Fall Prevention and Recovery, Fun Movements to Strengthen Body and Mind, Improve Posture and Core Conditioning, Wellness Education, Relaxation Techniques, and Music. The Charles Young Center is located at 540 E. Third Street. Parking is available on Shropshire Avenue or Lewis Street, Lexington, KY. Ages 60 and older. For more information, please contact Alexis Edge at 859-2460281 or aedge@lexingtonky.gov.

Community Yoga Class with Lauren Higdon Every Tuesday 10:30am– 11:30am at Centered Studio, 309 n Ashland ave suite 180 in Lexington. This weekly restorative class integrates gentle yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and wellness tips for all ages and levels of physical condition. Classes may include chair yoga, restorative, yin yoga, tai chi, and more. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced yogis! Donations-based class.

Community Flow This weekly (Tuesdays) restorative class integrates gentle yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and wellness tips for all ages and levels of physical condition. 10:30am–11:30am. Donation only (great portion of all donations go to the Backpack Food Program at Ashland Elementary.) Inspiring, Educating & Supporting our World through the Moving, Visual & Healing Arts! Daily classes, therapies, workshops & a great spot to host your next event! 309 N Ashland Ave Ste.180, Lexington, KY 40502. 859-721-1841. www.centeredlex.com.

Lupus Support Group Living & Coping with Lupus: meets 1st Tuesday of every month at Imani Baptist Church, 1555 Georgetown Road,

Lexington from 7:00pm–8:30pm. The Lupus Foundation of America support groups are intended to provide a warm and caring environment where people with lupus, their family members, caregivers and loved ones can share experiences, methods of coping and insights into living with chronic illness. www.lupusmidsouth.org 877-865-8787.

MELT Method Hand, Foot and Body Healing Class by Shayne Wigglesworth. Mondays and Wednesdays at 12pm - Discover painfree living at any age! Enjoy a gentle foam roller class to reduce pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety and more! MELT Method certified instructor Shayne Wigglesworth will teach you healing techniques you can use for self care at home. All materials and rollers are provided. Perfect for all ages, body types and experience levels. Learn more – call/online: www.centeredlex.com 859-721-1841

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction MONDAYS (THRU MARCH 13) 8 week series beginning with Monday Jan 9th orientation. The “gold standard” mindfulness program. Learn to promote resilience, prevent burnout, cultivate compassion and manage stress-related chronic conditions. Instructor: John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP. Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 859-373-0033. Full details at www.mindbodystudio. org/?page_id=1262

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

January 7-13

Keeneland’s Behind the Sales Scene 8am–9:30pm at Keeneland. $25. Keeneland is offering guests an opportunity to experience a behind-thescenes look at the world’s leading Thoroughbred auction house. Tour Guides will lead guests throughout the grounds to get an in-depth look at sales operations. Experience includes watching the morning workouts and touring the world-renowned Keeneland Sales Pavilion, auction ring and outside show ring where some of Thoroughbred racing’s greatest horses have been sold.

January 9

Diabetes Support Group 9-10 am, Senior Citizens Center, 195 Life Lane (behind Southland Christian Church on Richmond Road). Free. Sponsored by the LexingtonFayette Co. Health Dept. For more information, call (859) 288-2446.

January 17

Eat, Move, Lose Weight Support Group 12 – 1 pm, Lexington-Fayette Co. Health Department PH Clinic South, 2433 Regency Road. Free weight-loss support group appropriate for anyone wishing to lose weight or maintain weight loss. Share struggles and ideas with others. Held first and third Tuesdays most months. For more information or to preregister, call 288-2446.

January 19

Fayette County Diabetes Coalition Monthly Meeting 1 pm, Public Health Clinic South, 2433 Regency Rd, Lexington. Open to anyone interested in enhancing diabetes awareness and education in the community. For more information, or to attend, call 859-288-2347.

January 24

Health Chats about Diabetes 10 – 11 am, The Refuge Clinic, 2349 Richmond Road Suite

220, Lexington. Free. Join us to discuss tips to manage and control diabetes in practical ways. For more information, call 288-2446. Sponsored by the Lexington-Fayette Co. Health Dept.

Saturdays thru March 25 Lexington Farmer’s Market

January 24

Every Saturday at Cheapside Park visit the Lexington Farmers’ Market! You can purchase herbs and spices, honey, beeswax, candles, body care products, organic products, eggs, meats and fresh, seasonal produce. 8am-1pm.

Health Chats about Diabetes 4-5 pm, Nathaniel Mission, 1109 Versailles Rd, Suite 400. Free. Sponsored by the Lexington-Fayette Co. Health Dept.. For more information, call (859) 288-2446.

February 3

1964: The Tribute Since the early 80’s, “1964”: The Tribute has been thrilling audiences all over the globe with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”. 8pm–10pm at the Lexington Opera House. Admission $39–$49. 401 W. Short St., Lexington. 859.233.4567 for more information.

February 9-12

Kentucky Sport, Boat & Recreation Show Shake off the cabin fever and enjoy great outdoor products, exclusive deals, and entertainment that includes fishing, farm animals, and zip lining! Thurs-Fri 2pm-9pm; Saturday 9am-9pm; Sunday 10am-5pm and Lexington Center and Rupp Arena. $10 Single Day Pass; $5 Kids. 430 West Vine Street, Lexington. 859.233.4567 for more information.

February 11

Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show Repurpose antiques, collectibles and architectural salvage for one-of-a-kind decor. The monthly show features a unique collection of curiosities for your Home & Garden. Occurs on the 2nd Saturday and Sunday of every month. $2 for both days. 10am-5pm. 6270 Athens Walnut Hill Pike, Lexington. 859.255.7309 for more information.

February 17-19 Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jawdropping transformations and all the moments you love - the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more - plus

some surprising new twists. Presented by Broadway Live & The Opera House Fund. Times: Friday 7:30pm; Saturday 1pm and 7:30pm; Sunday 1pm and 6:30pm at the Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington. For tickets and details, call 859.233.3535.

Home Care by Seniors for Seniors

There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care you can receive from someone who really understands what your life is like as a senior. Your concerns and need for independence. Someone who like you, has a little living under his or her belt. Our caring, compassionate seniors are there to help. We offer the services you need to stay in your own home, living independently. • Companionship • Light Housekeeping

• Meal Preparation • Transportation . . . and more!

KY 500239

Like getting a little help from your friends® Call us today! If you are interested in becoming a service Provider we would like to hear from you too.

(859) 408-1145

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/lexington ©2016 Seniors Helping Seniors. Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Inc. Not all services are available in all areas.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Senior Services DIRECTORY

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call us for a spot County Offices & Meal Programs in the directory 859.368.0778 Health Care Systems & Hospitals Transportation, Personal Shopping, Errands Senior Day Centers, Adult Day Centers & Respite Care In Home Care (Non-Medical)

In Home Medical Care Mental Health, Family & Caregiver Support, Advice Disability & Rehabilitation Medical Equipment, Supplies & Monitoring Systems Finances & Estate Planning, Trusts/Wills, Reverse Mortgage

About the Directory Living Well 60+ is striving to make your search for local senior services a bit easier. We know there are many companies available to assist seniors in central Kentucky â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so many that beginning a search to fit your need can seem like a daunting task. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our directory features a collection of local companies and organizations who have a solid track record of providing exceptional assistance. We hope it becomes a useful starting point in your search for quality senior services.

Funeral Arrangement & Pre-Planning Legal Services Home Repair & Maintenance Skilled Nursing Facilities, Personal Care Homes, Long-Term Care Senior Independent Living & Retirement Housing Real Estate / Rent- Subsidized Housing For Independent Living Moving, Estate Sales, Downsizing Services Fitness, Healthy Eating & Healthy Living Healthcare, Medicare Help and Insurance Vision Care

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS & HOSPITALS

DISABILITY & REHABILITATION

Lexington Clinic

YMCA of Central Kentucky

1221 S. Broadway Lexington, KY 40504 859-258-4000

IN HOME CARE (NON-MEDICAL) Accessible Home Care 366 Waller Ave. Ste. 112 Lexington, KY 40504 859-313-5167 www.accessiblebluegrass.com

Assisting Hands 1795 Alysheba Way, Ste. 7105 Lexington, KY 40509 859-264-0646 www.assistinghands.com/lexington

Senior Helpers of the Bluegrass 3070 Harrodsburg Rd. Ste. 240 Lexington, KY 40503 859-296-2525 www.seniorhelpers.com/lexington

Seniors Helping Seniors Where seniors who want to help are matched w/ seniors looking for help

710 E. Main Street Lexington, KY 40502 859-408-1145 www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ lexington

IN HOME MEDICAL CARE Medi-Calls 1055 Wellington Way #215 Lexington, KY 40513 859-422-4369

Saint Joseph Home Health 2464 Fortune Dr. Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40509 859-277-5111 www.saintjosephanchomecare.com

239 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40502 859-254-9622 ymcaofcentralky.org

Drayer Physical Therapy Institute: Winchester Center 160 Pedro Way 859-745-2152 www.drayerpt.com

Drayer Physical Therapy Institute: Richmond Center 1054 Center Drive, Ste. 1 859-625-0600 www.drayerpt.com

Drayer Physical Therapy Institute: Lexington Perimeter Center 600 Perimeter Drive, Ste. 175 859-268-1201 www.drayerpt.com

Drayer Physical Therapy Institute: Lexington Beaumont Center 1010 Monarch Street, Ste. 150 859-219-0211 www.drayerpt.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES & MONITORING SYSTEMS Baptist Health Lifeline 859-260-6217 www.centralbap.com

FINANCES & ESTATE PLANNING, TRUSTS/ WILLS, REVERSE MORTGAGE Attorney Walter C. Cox, Jr & Assoc. LLC 2333 Alexandria Dr. 859-514-6033 www.waltercoxlaw.com info@waltercoxlaw.com

LEGAL SERVICES Bluegrass Elder Law 120 North Mill Street, Ste 300 859-281-0048 www.bgelderlaw.com

Rose Mary C. Brooks Place 200 Rose Mary Dr. Winchester, KY 40391 859-745-4904 www.brooksplace.org

The Lafayette 690 Mason Headley Rd. 859-278-9080 www.lafayettelexington.com

Ashland Terrace 475 S. Ashland Ave. Lexington, KY 40502 859-266-2581 www.ashlandterrace.org

Hometown Manor Assisted Living Community

Mountain Waterfalls

Georgetown, Lawrenceburg, Shelbyville 859-229-5914 www.hometownmanor.com

Award-Winning Water Features 859-684-0642 www.mountainwaterfalls.net

St Andrews Retirement Community

HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING & RETIREMENT HOUSING Mayfair Village 3310 Tates Creek Rd. Lexington, KY 40502 859-266-2129 www.mayfairseniors.com

Windsor Gardens of Georgetown Assisted Living 100 Windsor Path Georgetown, KY 40324 502-570-0540 marsha@goodworksunlimited.com

ARE YOU DISABLED? HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? ARE YOU CAUGHT UP IN RED TAPE?

300 Stocker Dr. 859-625-1400 www.standrewsplace.org

Hometown Manor Assisted Living Communities 2141 Executive Drive, Lexington (859) 317-8439 www.hometownmanor.com

Morning Pointe Senior Living Residences 233 Ruccio Way, Lexington 40503 859-554-0060 Lexington East Facility 150 Shoreside Dr., Lexington 859-721-0350 The Lantern (Alzheimer’s Care) 225 Ruccio Way, Lexington 40503 859-309-4867 www.morningpointe.com

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SERVICE DIRECTORY, CONTINUED REAL ESTATE / RENT-SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Lexington Life Services 859-797-8157 lexingtonlifeservices.com

HEALTHCARE, MEDICARE HELP & INSURANCE

Turf Town Properties, Inc.

Hall’s Moving Service, Inc.

Kentucky Health Solutions

124 Kentucky Ave. Lexington, KY 40502 859-268-4663 www.turftown.com

SENIORS SAVE 5% 258 E. 2nd Street, Lexington 859-231-0428

2333 Alexandria Drive Lexington, KY 40504 Direct 859-312-9646 | Office 859-309-5033 www.kentuckyhealthsolutions.com

FITNESS, HEALTHY EATING & HEALTHY LIVING

Briarwood Apartments 1349 Centre Parkway Lexington, KY 40517 859-272-3421 glickco.com

Yoga Health & Therapy Center

MOVING, ESTATE SALES, DOWNSIZING SERVICES

322 West Second Street Lexington, KY 40507 859-254-9529 www.yogahealthcenter.org

Caring Transitions

Well Fed Meals

1411 Delaware Ave. 859-543-9848 www.CTLex.net

1301 Winchester Rd. #17 Lexington, KY 40505 859-539-5863 www.wellfedmeals.com

VISION CARE Medical Vision 3288 Eagle View Ln. Ste. 300 Lexington, KY 859-278-9486 www.medicalvision.com

TRANSPORTATION, PERSONAL SHOPPING, ERRANDS Superior Van & Mobility 4734 Rockford Plaza Louisville, KY 40216 1-800-458-8267 www.superiorvan.com

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FINANCIAL

The Federal Arbitration Act: Its Scope and Application to Nursing Home Admission Contracts by Bobby E. Reynolds, J.D.; LL.M (Taxation)

Nursing homes are inserting arbitration clauses into their admission contracts with more frequency. The Federal Arbitration Act (“Act”), 9 U.S.C. § 2, often questions the enforceability of such clauses. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that counsel advising nursing homes understand the laws applicable to the validity of arbitration clauses related to admission contracts and the finer nuances and complexities that may present problems to nursing homes desiring to enforce such clauses. A clause requiring the parties to submit claims to binding arbitration can be compulsory solely if federal diversity jurisdiction exists. Federal law preempts any state laws proscribing enforcement of arbitration clauses.1 Notwithstanding, the Act renders “valid, irrevocable, and enforceable” any “written provision in any maritime transaction or a contract evidencing a transaction involving commerce to settle by arbitration a controversy thereafter arising out of such contract or transaction, . . . or an agreement in writing to submit to arbitration an existing controversy arising out of such a contract, transaction, or refusal.” Accordingly, although the Act is applicable to “transactions,” “contracts,” and “controversies,” pursuant to Sections 1 and 2, the Act becomes operative only if the contro-

versy stems from a contract or transaction involving interstate commerce. Various cases from multiple jurisdictions illustrate the operation of the Act. In Marmet Health Ctr., Inc. v. Brown, 132 S. Ct. 1201 (2012), the United States Supreme Court held that West Virginia’s proscription against pre-dispute agreements to arbitrate personal-injury or wrongful-death claims against nursing homes was a categorical rule that prohibited arbitration of a particular type of claim, conflicted with the terms and coverage of the Act, and accordingly, was preempted. Kentucky cases illustrate how Kentucky construes the Act and its various provisions. For instance, the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that an arbitration clause did not apply to a wrongful death claim initiated by the beneficiaries of the deceased nursing home resident.2 In Ping v. Beverly Enterprises, Inc., 376 S.W.3d 581 (Ky 2012), the Kentucky Supreme Court held that a durable power of attorney did not grant the agent the authority to bind the nursing home resident to binding arbitration as the contract of admission mandated. The court held that the language contained in the power, which granted the agent the authority to manage the resident’s property and financial affairs and to make health care decisions, did not grant the agent authority to agree to binding arbitration when the

arbitration agreement was not a condition of admission to the nursing home. A Kentucky appeals court held that parents, who by statute are empowered to make health care decisions for an adult disabled child, do not have the authority to bind that child to binding arbitration with a nursing home in which the child resided.3 In yet another Kentucky case, the Kentucky Supreme Court held that an agent acting under a power of attorney lacked the authority to sign an arbitration agreement because the power of attorney did not explicitly grant the power to agree to arbitration.4 In yet another Kentucky case, a nursing home resident’s verbal directive to her son did not include any apparent or actual authority to agree to arbitration.5 Commerce clause cases can be extremely complicated and very fact specific, leaving courts to struggle with the often complex question of whether a transaction involving interstate commerce. This Article will set forth a few cases illustrating application of the commerce clause. It is left to the reader to consult various treatises discussing the subject.6 However, the above-referenced cases illustrate various application of the Act to specific factual situations, especially in Kentucky. Residents and others having standing to sue must carefully examine the specific arbitration clause if they desire to challenge it.

SOURCES:

1. Allied-Bruce Terminex Cos. V. Dobson, 513 U.S. 265 (1995). 2. HQM of Pikeville, LLC v. Collins, 2014 WL 3537039 (Ky. Ct. App. July 18, 2014). 3. Stanford v. Rowe, 2012 WL 4208924 (Ky. App. Sept. 21, 2012). 4. Extendicare Homes, Inc. v. Whiman, 2015 WL 5634309 (Ky. Oct. 9, 2015). 5. Kindred Healthcare, Inc. v. Henson, 2014 WL 1998728 (Ky. Ct. App. May 16, 2014). 6. See Tribe, Laurence H., American Constitutional Law, Volume I (Foundation 3d ed. 2000). ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bobby E. Reynolds has been an attorney in Kentucky for several years. He practices law in Nicholasville, Kentucky, having previously clerked for a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals and having obtained an LL.M in taxation from the University of Florida College of Law Graduate Tax Program. Mr. Reynolds also teaches continuing legal education to attorneys in Kentucky. Email: bobby@summitcrt.com Phone: 859-270-6193

Conflict Resolution & Trainings 400 Etter Drive, Suite 1 Nicholasville, Kentucky, 40356 www.summitcrt.com Phone: 859-305-1900

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

8 Reflections for a New Year of Caregiving Questions and suggestions may prompt resolutions by Lisa M. Petsche, Staff Writer

Whether you are new to caregiving or have been at it for a while, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and worried about your ability to handle all the responsibilities involved in looking after a person with a long-term health condition. What better time than the start of a new year to reflect on your role and how you may be better able to manage it. Take time to honestly answer the following questions and consider the advice offered here. 1. Do you accept the realities of your care receiver’s condition?

• Give yourself permission to experience all emotions that surface. • Grieve losses, but don’t dwell on them. Adapt your goals and expectations. • Recognize there will be good days and bad days. 2. Are you open to learning new things?

• Educate yourself about your care receiver’s diagnosis and share the information with family and friends to help them understand.

• Be open to learning practical skills, such as proper transferring and bathing techniques. Mastering these tasks will make caregiving as safe and easy as possible. • Find out about community services in your area that can help. The local office on aging is a good resource. 3. Do you keep communication lines open?

• Involve your care receiver (if able) and other family members in decision making as much as possible. Don’t shoulder the responsibility alone. • Develop a partnership with involved healthcare professionals. Share information about your care receiver, ask questions, seek advice and offer opinions and suggestions. • Keep family members informed

Talk openly with your care receiver about his or her wishes.

of changes in your care receiver’s status. Don’t act as if things are okay when they’re not. 4. Are you prepared for changes and challenges?

• Find out what to expect during the course of the illness in terms of symptom progression and caregiving skills, medical equipment and community supports that may be needed. • Talk openly with your care receiver about his or her wishes. Discuss living arrangements, outside help, surrogate decision making, medical intervention and end-of-life care and funeral arrangements. Be careful not to make promises you may not be able to keep. • Help your care receiver get his or her affairs in order, including completing paperwork such as advance directives, powers of attorney and a will. Consult with a lawyer who is familiar with eldercare issues. 5. Are you open to simplifying your life?

• Keep a caregiving log so you don’t have to rely on memory when it comes to medical history. Include notes about medications tried and their results; acute illnesses; hospitalizations; tests; diagnoses; treatments; and surgeries. • Keep relevant medical, financial, legal and other documents organized in a binder or filing system for easy access. • Seek ways to streamline your life. Set priorities and stick to

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them. And let go of the need for perfection. • Take things one day at a time. Learn to live in the moment and focus on simple pleasures. 6. Do you practice self-care?

• Look after your own health. Make it a priority. • Find something relaxing you can do to give yourself a daily break at home. • Schedule regular breaks from caregiving duties. Take a couple of hours, a day or an overnight. 7. Do you have supportive people in your life?

• Stay connected to friends and outside activities. • Find someone you can talk with openly, who will listen and empathize. • Talk with other caregivers. Join a community support group or an Internet group. 8. Are you receptive to help?

• Recognize that you can’t and shouldn’t do everything alone. • Accept offers of help. Ask other family members to share the load. Be specific about the type of help that’s needed. • Research and take advantage of respite services in your community. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Foundation Releases 2016 Scorecard on Local Health System Performance Compares health access, quality, cost, more by Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation, has released its 2016 Scorecard on Local Health System Performance (LHSP). This is the foundation’s second evaluation; the first report was released in 2012. This year the scorecard measures changes in local area performance over recent years. For most localities, this is anywhere from 2011 to 2014. The scorecard compared health care access and quality, avoidable hospital use, costs of care and health outcomes. Of the 300 communities evaluated, there was

overall improvement in terms of fewer uninsured residents, better quality of care in doctors’ offices and hospitals, more efficient use of hospital and fewer deaths from treatable cancers. However, there are still vast differences between measurable areas throughout many local health systems. Fortunately, Lexington saw many improvements, including improvements in: • adults with age-appropriate vaccines; • home health patients who got better at walking or moving around; • home health patients whose wounds improved or healed after surgery; • risk-adjusted 30-day mortality

among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia or stroke; • colorectal cancer deaths; • hospital admissions among Medicare beneficiaries for ambulatory-care sensitive conditions for those aged 75 and older; • Medicare beneficiaries with dementia, hip or pelvic fracture or chronic renal failure who received a prescription drug that is contraindicated for that condition; • Medicare beneficiaries who received at least one drug the elderly should avoid; • Medicare 30-day hospital readmissions; and • uninsured adults ages 19 to 64. Lexington saw an increase in obesity, which was the most notable measure of decline from the 2012 LHSP Scorecard. For more details on this report, visit www. commonwealthfund.org/interactives/2016/jul/local-scorecard/. In addition to this scorecard, the Commonwealth Fund partners with AARP to produce the Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard. This scorecard is a multidimensional approach to measuring state-level performance in areas that assist the elderly, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. This evaluation system began in 2011. One driver for creating the LTSS Scorecard is the aging Baby Boomer generation, some of whom will be in their 80s in about

a decade. For this group and the generations that follow, individuals will have fewer family caregivers to provide unpaid help. At present, there is no national solution, which means these challenges are up to individual states to address. Some states are doing better and some are doing worse in these matters. The second evaluation of states’ LTSS services was done in 2014. Five areas were considered: affordability and access, choice of setting and provider, quality of life and care, support for family caregivers and effective transitions. The highest ranking state across all five dimensions was Minnesota. Kentucky was dead last across the board. The 2014 LTSS Scorecard results are available at www. longtermscorecard.org/2014scorecard#.WFi_z-kUW74. The next LTSS Scorecard has not been released yet. For ongoing research and reports pertaining to long-term care and family caregiving, visit AARP at www.aarp.org/ ppi/issues/caregiving.

The scorecard measures changes in local area performance over recent years.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

How to Help with a Partner with a Mental Illness Support groups can offer strength & hope by TaNiqua Ward, M.S., Staff Writer

Many relationships have their ups and downs. No relationship is perfect. It takes a lot of work to sustain a relationship, and having a partner with a mental illness can have a significant impact. The National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) (www.nami.org) defines mental illness as a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feelings or moods. If you are living with a mental illness and are already in a relationship, you may wonder whether you should tell your partner about your mental illness. If you are single and want to be in a relationship, you may wonder if a relationship is right for you. You can build a relationship while dealing with a mental illness if you receive support and acceptance

from your partner. Recent research has found there is a correlation between the type of relationship an individual has and the effect it can have on mental health. If an individual is in a healthy relationship, the partner that is struggling may fight off their mental illness. However, if an individual is in an unhealthy relationship, mental illness can worsen and the person may develop even more problems. In addition, both partners in the relationship can struggle with symptoms of mental illness, says marriage and family therapist Pierre Imlay, MEd, RMFT. It is important for couples to seek professional help if one or both partners have a mental illness. Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy relationship while facing mental illness:

• Learn about the illness and treatments – Research the illness and educate yourself as much as possible. Also, make sure your partner is receiving the appropriate treatment for his or her illness. • Seek out professional help – Learn from a health professional how you can help your partner. Make sure your partner is following the instructions received from the health professional. Counseling can also help with the struggles you may encounter. It provides balance and guidance in a situation that can easily become toxic under the wrong circumstances. • Maintain positive communication – Keep encouraging your partner. Continue to show and state that you love him. Let her know she has your support. • Check in with one another – Talk to one another regularly. Share feelings, needs and expectations. Try to schedule a regular time to talk, such as during dinner or before bedtime. Make sure you are on the same page.

This also helps with accountability in the relationship. • Learn from the struggles – When situations occur, allow them to be a learning experience. Reevaluate the situation afterward and think of ways you will handle it better next time. Grow from every experience. While adjusting to the stresses of loving someone with a mental illness, it is important to identify sources of support. Consider joining a family support group to meet other people going through the same struggles you may be experiencing. Talking to them can provide hope and understanding. Research has shown family-based programs improve the well-being of individuals with mental illness, as well as that of their partners and families. Join a local family support group to get the education you need and help your loved one overcome his or her illness. You can find support groups at your local hospital or health department or you can contact your local chapter of NAMI.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Age Allows Writing for Senior Adults Age Allows is a column dedicated to the development of a creative lifestyle for older adults. It is designed to provide new ways of thinking about retirement, to develop creative alternatives to living during advanced age and to enrich the life experience for those living in independent living, assisted living and nursing homes. It seeks to help older adults reexamine and enhance their lifestyles and increase their contributions to society. by Donald Hoffman, Staff Writer Question: I love to read, and now feel I’d like to write. What do I need to know about writing? Answer: The ability to create as a writer – in fact, through any venue – depends on your perspective of what you see; an emotional connection to the subject that will motivate you; and your imagination. If you’ve ever had “writer’s block,” a period of time where words and thoughts do not seem to flow, you will know what I mean. The creative process will literally “stand still” until all components coalesce into a cohesive, rational reason to deeply explore an idea. That all of these areas of experience must connect before creativity is born is not a new concept. It was advanced by Jerome Brunner, an eminent psychologist, as he explored the complexities of the human mind. This concept is most important as we delve into suitable ways to expand creative experiences for older adults. Here is an example: I met William as we waited in line at McDonald’s. We sat at adjoining tables, continued talking

about family and life in general and stumbled across writing as a joint interest. William, it turns out, has been writing for quite a while. He is unpublished; he writes for his own gratification. My wife and I listened raptly as he recited one of his “sayings,” as he called them, and we immediately recognized it as pure poetry. How does an ordinary guy – someone who has worked all of his life and is still working while retired – find the time and motivation to produce exceptional creative poetry? I know little about William except that he is hard working – retired but still working part time. He has strong family and church connections and strong ties to his religious heritage. William values education and proudly talks about his daughter and her quest for a Ph.D. He possesses an unbelievable vocabulary and a way of putting words and phrases together in thoughtful sequences of great spirituality and meaning. Since William writes basically for himself and reads what he writes only within a small circle of church and personal friends, he does not yet recognize how important or advanced his creative thinking skills

are nor the impact his “sayings” might have on a larger audience. The motivation to write comes from many sources. In this instance, I believe William’s motivation grows from a strong spiritual connection to God. Spiritual beliefs are often enabling motivators for individuals at all ages and levels of society. Such connections are highly personal in nature, involving powerful emotional connections and imagination, and thus they meet the Brunner criteria for developing the creative thought process. William could have communicated his thoughts in other ways: through the visual arts, musical experience, dance, crafts, theater or any other form of expression he chose. William’s choice was to use language to transmit his thoughts and beliefs. He felt comfortable with words. You indicate your love of reading, so if you are widely read you already know that writers write about fictional and non-fiction subjects. You can create a novel or poetry or write for magazines. That is every author’s choice to make. The possibilities are enormous and the process changes for each genre and subject. Hone your research skills and learn to make detailed outlines focusing on the idea and sequence of events or the storyline and decide on the audience you will write for. You must decide if you want to tell a story, relate or solve a problem, write about yourself, create a biography, a children’s morality tale or investigate some other subject area. Sometimes putting words to paper or on a computer is intimidating, especially to those new to writing. This intimidation can serve as a block to progress. Some beginners find it easier to use an oral approach. There are programs designed for the computer that automatically take spoken words and transfer them to the screen. You can also record your words on tape and later transcribe the story into written form. Both techniques can help a new writer transition more easily to putting ideas on paper.

Inventive approaches to writing frequently appear, some well suited for exploration by senior adults, such as a zine. Zines (short for magazines) offer opportunities for beginning and advanced writers and artists to informally publish their work. You simply write, draw, paint and design your published work, copy it, then cut it to size and either sew, glue, or staple the pages together. Collections of poetry, essays on any subject, illustrated stories, sayings or other creative experiences suited to reproduction on paper, once printed and bound, are shared within a chosen group. They are easily critiqued and re-written at will in a non-threatening learning experience for older adults. If you believe you might need help with your writing, check with the Carnegie Center in Lexington, the OLLI program at the University of Kentucky, your local senior center or an adult education program. All have writing programs for older adults and some are free. Many independent and assisted living residences also have structured writing programs for residents. Postscript: If I had not begun talking to William, truly listened and been open to his ideas, I never would have discovered an answer to this question. The importance of openness to new ideas and the lessening of the fear of meeting new people is an important key to developing creativity. My conversation with William provided me with motivation, an emotional connection to my subject and an imaginative approach to say what I believe to be important. I am grateful and deeply indebted to William for his openness and his thoughts and hope to meet him once again. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don Hoffman is the former director of the Donovan Scholars/ Council on Aging at the University of Kentucky and author of Arts for Older Adults: An Enhancement of Life.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Hobbies

Inventors Network KY Have a great idea? Here’s some help by Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

Ever have an idea for a new product or a solution to a problem? Most people do, but they don’t know what to do with their ideas. That’s where the Inventors Network KY comes in. The Inventors Network Kentucky is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing educational resources and support to inventors and entrepreneurs. It began in 1996 in Lexington as the Inventors Council Central KY. “We help inventors and entrepreneurs through education, engagement and empowerment,” said Don Skaggs, president of the Inventors Council Central KY. More than just a club, the Inventors Network is a comprehensive group of programs that includes presentations from speakers, hands-on workshops, brainstorming sessions and networking.

The network guides individuals through each step from idea to production and finally selling in the marketplace. It can even provide referrals to private and governmental agencies across Kentucky. “There are associations like ours, but we strive to do something very unique, especially with our workshop programs,” said Skaggs. A self-described “serial inventor” since 1991, Skaggs began attending council meetings in 2001after he saw a newspaper ad about it. The network has two different types of monthly meetings. The first meeting, which is free and open to the public, is held the first Tuesday of the month. It features expert speakers and provides networking and learning opportunities. Topics covered include patent law, prototyping, marketing, sales, finances and licensing. These

meetings not only cover basic information and instruction but also focus on individual behaviors to cultivate – and shun – for success. A prevalent behavior for many is to treat their idea or product like a baby. But babies cost money. “The day they stop treating their invention or product like a baby, it begins to be like an actual product,” Skaggs said. The second meeting is a members-only workshop. These brainstorming sessions are held under a joint confidentiality agreement. Here members share ideas and explain where they’re at and what they might be stuck on so other members can offer ideas and solutions. The nondisclosure agreement protects against idea theft. “It’s a brainstorming session on steroids, as I’ve heard someone describe it,” Skaggs said. “What happens in the meeting, like Las

Vegas, stays in the meeting.” The workshops, which meet the second Tuesday of the month, are powerful for members because it’s helpful to be around other inventors and entrepreneurs, said Skaggs. “No one is totally successful if they work in complete isolation,” he said. “People are very helpful.” The network launched expanded educational classes called the Empowered Inventing series in 2016. These are structured, step-by-step classes that cover many stumbling blocks for inventors and entrepreneurs, including behavior change, a known root cause of many failed inventions and businesses, as well as explaining processes of different stages of development. One important focus is protecting new inventors and entrepreneurs from scams, which affect more than 25,000 inventors a year at an estimated cost of $200 million. The network believes the most powerful weapon against scams is educating inventors about the right direction to go when spending money and time on their invention, product or startup. In 2004, the network held its first annual convention for inventors. It is now the largest inventor/entrepreneur event of its kind in the Midwest. Known as Inventor-Con, it attracts nationally recognized speakers and exhibitors from all over the country. The Louisville center opened this past September. The network started a YouTube channel (InventorsCouncil) to upload educational videos and is also looking into more ways to connect with others in rural areas in the state. It is also planning outreach programs with middle and high schools, colleges and other postsecondary educational centers, groups and associations. Membership is $50 annually. The council’s offices are located at 4101 Tates Creek Centre Drive, Suites 150-143. Visit www. KYInventors.org or call (859) 201-1311.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

FAMILY VISION

Autism and Eyesight: Prisms Help Get Systems in Sync

by Dr. Rick Graebe, Family Eyecare Associates and Vision Therapy

It may surprise you to learn eyesight and autism spectrum disorders have a connection. One of the major symptoms of autism is a lack of eye contact. Few people with autism have trouble with their eyesight. The problem is with the person’s ambient visual system. The ambient system is concerned with things going on around us in the background. It generally filters every-

thing out for us because noticing every little thing in the visual field would be overwhelming. However, people on the autism spectrum have trouble using the central and peripheral visual systems simultaneously, so subsequently they have trouble filtering things. Having autism can be compared to walking around with the tubes from paper towels in front of your face. You would move your head around constantly, trying to check out your environment and keep up with what’s going on. People on the autism spectrum tend to get hyperstimulated when there is

In one documented case, a 14-year-old boy who had never said more than oneword sentences started speaking full sentences within 15 minutes of putting on a pair of yoked prisms.

too much peripheral movement happening all around them. Their ambient visual system is not telling them that people are, perhaps, moving in many different directions, both forward and backwards. Confused, needing to feel where they are in relationship to the things around them, people on the autism spectrum might start exhibiting stimming – self-stimulatory behavior that incorporates the repetition of physical movements, including flapping the arms. When the ambient visual system works as it is supposed to, people on the autism spectrum don’t experience overstimulation. Vision therapy using yoked prisms has been shown to help people on the autism spectrum tremendously, sometimes even removing autism tendencies. This therapy has a major impact on the ambient vision system. It is not a cure for autism; it is a calming of the sensory system. In one documented case, a 14-year-old boy who had never said more than one-word sentences started speaking full sentences within 15 minutes of putting on a pair of yoked prisms. The prism changes the distribution of light on the retina; one theory espouses the prism resets the timing between the ambient and focal vision systems. When they are out of sync, a prism can help the two systems blend better. Yoked prisms do what any therapy – physical, occupational, speech – is meant to do: create a new, more meaning-

ful and useful environment for the patient. It changes input and thus changes output. Vision therapy is an attempt to understand the world in which a person on the autism spectrum lives and moves, to understand what makes their sensory input different and to take steps to improve it. It is effective for both children and adults. Once there is a better understanding of what is affecting the person with autism, vision therapy can expand his or her peripheral awareness and help him or her achieve the ability to judge space and distance so they don’t get as overwhelmed as quickly. For more information about yoked prisms and the autism spectrum, a recommended book is Mel Kaplan’s “Seeing Through New Eyes,” which details his work with patients on the autism spectrum. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Graebe received both his B.S degree in Visual Science and Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University. He is a Behavioral Optometrist and learning expert. He has been in private practice here in the Bluegrass area for the past 32 years.

Family Eyecare Associates 105 Crossfield Drive, Versailles, KY 40383 859.879.3665 | www.myfamilyvision.com www.kentuckyvisiontherapy.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Gardening

Winter Garden Tips ’Tis the season to prepare for spring by Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

Don’t have a garden but want to start one this spring? Then get started this winter! Go ahead and plan and plot where your garden will be. Winter is not an off-season for avid Kentucky gardeners. Which tasks you undertake depends on your answer to the question: to grow or not to grow? The key to growing in the winter is to only concentrate on plants hardy enough to withstand cold temperatures – forget about tomatoes and corn until late spring. There are plenty of plants well-suited for winter growing. Cold-tolerant plants

that can withstand even temperatures in the teens include brassicas – kale, bok choy, kohlrabi and most mustard greens. Fava beans are hardy enough to survive temps of 10 degrees F. They are also a good winter nitrogen fixer. Root crops such as carrots, beets, rutabaga and parsnips are perfect for winter – just be sure to plant them in a low tunnel or with a thick layer of mulch. Low tunnels can protect against drying winds or compression from heavy snows. The cold temperatures yield sweet-tasting vegetables. The biggest challenge to winter gardens is temperature fluctuations that go from very warm to extremely cold. (After all,

this is Kentucky.) The warmer temperatures can encourage premature blooms and bring pests and diseases, but sudden freezes can halt development. Coverings for particularly hardfreeze nights can be purchased or even improvised quickly with an actual blanket. Hoops with wire at intervals helps keep any covering laid on top of the crop area from touching and weighing down on the plants. When the freezing temperatures pass, remove the cover. The plants will look droopy and limp at first. But as the sun warms them, the intercellular water circulates and drains and in time the plants will perk back up. Winter is a good time to test your soil’s nutrient levels. Leafy green vegetables require more nitrogen than winter peas, carrots or broccoli. The pH level of soil is the most important factor. During the winter time, the pH level should be adjusted to a range of 6.2 to 6.8. It’s also important to remove any remaining

summer vegetables and add them to the compost pile. If you don’t wish to grow anything this winter, plant cover crops. Cover crops are also called “green manure” because while they act as a covering for the soil, they also prevent erosion and provide nutrients for the soil when tilled. Red-flowering clover is an ideal example of a cover crop that can help build and protect the soil in gardens or areas of a garden that are not actively growing a vegetable, root or herb. Cereals such as wheat, rye, buckwheat or oats are also great cover crops. Clover and cereal grains can be grown together or alone. Another nice winter-cover crop mix is cereal grain(s) and legumes such as cow peas. Avoid planting ryegrass because it is difficult to eradicate in the spring. Cover crops should be fertilized at planting time and maybe once again later in the season if they need a boost. Come this spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich soil to work with for your garden.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Near-Death Experiences Bring People Into New Way of Being Perceptions, behaviors, lives are changed by Charles Sebastian, Staff Writer

The subject of near-death experiences (NDEs) has long fascinated the public. It has made its way into many books and movies. These occurrences vary, from the classic “I saw a bright light” to “My life flashed before me” to “I had a visitation from a family member who passed on.” Are these simply light-and-shadow plays of the mind or actual experiences on some level yet unknown to us? Whether NDEs could one day be proven real or not is irrelevant to the fact that they can turn people’s

lives around and drastically change their behaviors and perceptions. Dr. Jim Roach, who helms The Midway Center for Integrative Health in Midway, has heard numerous NDE accounts over his many years in practice. He is the author of the spiritual near-death book, “God’s House Calls,” in which he cites 45 patients who had spiritual NDEs. “One [patient], an alcoholic, had a negative near-death experience,” Roach said. “He didn’t share details, but it shook him up. The next two years he did everything he could to make amends, then

had a blissful near-death experience. Maybe it matters if we are making the world a better place.” Because of the different experiences in the near-death category, not only is there the “was it real or only in my imagination” effect, but the truth of some experiences seems more or less plausible than that of others. “Maybe Einstein had it right: E = mc2,” Roach said. “We look at each other and see solid mass; in reality, we are just an energy field. Almost every week I encounter someone who has been out of body. Famous psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, author of ‘Death and Dying’ and many other books, interviewed 2,000 people with NDEs, including blind people who, while their doctor did CPR, from up above could see every detail and describe every color.” While NDEs vary in form, fashion and delivery, they all have the common thread of taking the subject out of his or her comfort zone and somehow showing the person something new. The experi-

ences bring the person into a new way of being and dealing with the world. “[I have] hundreds [of patients] with premonitions, intuitions, outof-body experiences or [who have] heard voices or seen visions with positive, transformative messages,” Roach said. “Half of my serene, upbeat female patients have had these experiences; they are incredibly common but so personal they are rarely shared.” Until the day comes when we can somehow prove these experiences are real in the minds and bodies of those who report them, we continue to wonder about their place in the human drama. Even if one day NDEs are proved, tested and accepted, naysayers would still be naysaying. What is important is the undeniable role NDEs play in the human experience and how they have shaped lives, nations and the world. For more information about Roach and The Midway Center for Integrative Health, visit www. themidwaycenter.com.

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