A Senior Magazine for Living a Healthier, Smarter and More Active Life in Wausau
May 2016 e e Fr
Tracking Our Hearing Health
What many people do not realize is that as your brain adjusts to your new lower level of hearing, it is missing out on key parts of speech.
By Justen Willemon, BC-HIS at Miracle-Ear
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re you regularly asking people to repeat themselves, struggling while listening to television or even feeling as if everyone is mumbling? Then it is time to have your hearing tested. But if you aren’t having trouble with any of those things, does that mean you shouldn’t have your hearing tested? The answer is no; even if you are not noticing any difficulty with your hearing, everyone should have their hearing tested and have a record of the hearing level. If things do start to change in the future, you will know where you were able to hear, and can see how things are changing. Many people don’t do anything about their hearing until something happens that causes them to really think about it. When it comes to hearing health,
you should have your hearing checked annually. When our hearing changes, it typically occurs gradually and you may not detect anything. As your hearing changes gradually, your brain adjusts to it; eventually you start to notice that you are asking people to repeat a lot, or you
may say it sounds like everyone is mumbling. This is often the time someone finally decides to make the effort and schedule an appointment for a hearing test. What many people do not realize is that as your brain adjusts to your new lower level of hearing, it is missing out on key parts of
speech. Missing out on those key parts of speech can lead to auditory deprivation, which is when your brain loses the ability to process information due to lack of stimulation. If your brain isn’t hearing a certain sound anymore, it will gradually fade away so you can’t remember what it is. Once those key parts of speech are lost, it makes understanding speech more difficult, even with hearing aids. Annual hearing tests help you to be aware of your hearing health, and if your hearing does start to decrease, it will allow you to take action right away to help reduce your chances of auditory deprivation. Senior Review | 1
Older Americans Month 2016: “Blaze a Trail” Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our country. The contributions they make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in the nation’s economy, politics, and the arts. From 69-year-old NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Jr. to 84-year-old actress Rita Moreno to 83-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who took her seat as a Supreme Court Justice at age 60, older adults are blazing trails in all aspects of American life. In 1963, we began to acknowledge the contributions of older people by using the month of May to celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM). Led by the Administration for Community Living, the annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.
History of Older Americans Month
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living
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Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.
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May is National Stroke Awareness Month Suspect a Stroke? Act F.A.S.T.
Learn the signs of stroke. The Face, Arm, Speech Test (FAST) can help you recognize the symptoms of a stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911! You could save a life or help prevent a disability! Be a stroke hero.
F A S
ace: Facial Weakness. Ask the person to smile. Does the face look uneven? Does one side of the face droop? rms: Arm Weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms in front of them. Does one arm drift down?
If you suspect a stroke, act FAST and call 911!
peech: Speech problems. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence or phrase, for example, “The sky is blue”? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly? Are the words slurred? Does their speech sound strange?
cially with any of the other signs
T
ime: Test all three symptoms. If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE? •Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body •Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or under-
standing •Sudden loss or blurring of vision, in one or both eyes •Sudden or severe headache with no apparent cause •Dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, espe-
WHY ACT FAST? Stroke is a medical emergency. By calling 911, you can help someone reach the hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. Delay can result in death or major long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems. Ambulance crews use FAST and with hospital staff can act fast to identify and diagnose a stroke quickly.
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y mother lived here years ago and I always knew this was the place for me when I needed assisted living. I was so happy to bring my organ in the apartment I chose. One day while playing a song I looked up and found a friend sitting in one of my chairs enjoying the music.”
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What’s Happening Calendar SPARK! Bring a friend or loved one with memory loss for a social outing in soothing surroundings. Second Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Call (715) 845-7010 to register. Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum, (715) 8457010 Free Monthly Grief Programs Available Through Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services • Good Grief – Living with Loss: Monthly grief support group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. Second Monday of each month; 4:005:00 p.m. First Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant St., Wausau; The Grief Center, (715) 847-2703. • Suicide Grief Support Group: A place to go when your life has been changed by the suicide of a loved one. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Contact Sara or Heather at (715) 539-9818. • The Compassionate Friends: A self-help support group for parents, grandparents, and adult siblings. Third Wednesday of the month 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Aspirus Wausau
Hospital. Contact Sue at 715-8455968. Downtown Memory Café is a new gathering place for people with early stages of dementia and their care partners. Hosted by First United Methodist Church, 3rd Thursday every month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, 903 Third Street, Wausau. For more information or to register, call the church at (715) 842-2201, Charles Schoenfeld at (715) 842-9809 or email: memorycafe@fumcwausau.org. Free! Knitting at the Library Knitters of all ages and skill levels are invited to Knit Night on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau. The library will provide pattern books and some knitting supplies, but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Medicare Basics Register early. Space is limited. Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at (715) 261-6070. Cost: Free!!
AARP Chapter 272, Wausau Area 3rd Mondays of the month, March-December at the Wausau Airport, 725 Woods Place, Wausau, WI. Time of Meeting is 1:30 p.m. for about an hour. Because of the weather, no meetings in Jan. and Feb. 2016. For more information call Steve at 715-355-4918.
Great Wausau Area Stroke Club Grief Group at Helke Funeral 3rd Monday of even numbered Home months (Feb, April, June, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, on the 2nd August, October, Dec. ) and 4th Tuesdays of each month 3200 Westhill Dr. (2nd floor from 1:00-2:00 p.m. classroom) 1:00-2:30 p.m., Free and no Caregiver Support Group registration required. Call Kim at 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 (715) 847-2833 or Kathy at (715) a.m. Aspirus Memory Clinic lower 847-2827. level, conference room 2720 Plaza Medication Mondays Drive, Wausau. Contact Jennifer 3rd Monday each month Pagel at (715) 847-2004. Professional assistance for those who: Family Support Group • Want to understand and organize 4th Monday of the month from medications better 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Marathon • Take four or more medications, or have multiple health conditions County Public Library; 2nd floor meeting room. Families who have • Get medications at multiple pharmacies or by mail-order a member who has a mental ill• Want to reduce medication ness. Facilitated by trained NAMI expenses: Call 715.847.2380 or members. 1.800.847.4707 for appointment. Thoughtful Thursdays Two Thursdays each month at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau
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May Is Better Hearing and Speech Month
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he American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month each May to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect millions of Americans. This special month is designed to recognize the impact that speech-language pathologists make in helping people across an individual’s lifespan. Speech and language disorders can take many forms and can limit “Even if AND the problem cannot OPEN HOUSE TOUR! academic achievement, social— LUNCH nd be eliminated, we can teach April 2 — 10am to 2pm adjustment, careerSaturday, advancement, with speech and language OPEN HOUSE —people LUNCH AND TOUR! and quality of life. An individual nd — 10am to 2pm Saturday, April 2 difficulties strategies to better may be born with a speech or cope with their disability and live language disorder, or it may be more independently.” caused by accidental injury or Speech-language pathologists illness. are professionals who treat “Fortunately, most people with all types of speech, language, speech and language difficulties swallowing, memory and related can be helped,” said Holly disorders. They hold at least a Sperberg, Speech-Language master’s degree and are certified Pathologist at Wausau Manor.
by the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association. In Wisconsin, they also are licensed by the state. One therapy used for swallowing disorders is called VitalStim. It is a very specialized, proven treatment for dysphagia which is the inability or reduced ability to swallow. This is the first FDA-approved treatment that is provided by a specially
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certified speech-language pathologist at Wausau Manor. To battle dysphagia, the throat muscles must relearn swallowing activity and movement. During VitalStim therapy, electrodes are placed on the throat to deliver a small current to stimulate motor nerves involved in swallowing. The muscles responsible for swallowing contract, allowing for re-education of the essential muscles we use for eating. Wausau Manor commends our Speech-Language Pathology Therapy team for the tremendous work they do to provide excellent care and rehabilitation based on each individual’s special needs. In addition to speech-language pathology, Wausau Manor also provides physical therapy and occupational therapy services for the patients at our center as well as outpatients in the community. This interdisciplinary approach expedites recovery and overall wellness. For more information or with any questions regarding Wausau Manor therapy programs contact Dawn Steves, Director of Rehab at 715-842-0575.
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Applegate Terrace Assisted Living and Wausau Manor
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active with no • Homefor ownership maintenance! adults, 55+ • Excellent value! • Home ownership DISCOVER YOUR If you are ready for alifestyle simpler lifestyle us the incentive with noCooperative Village If you are ready a “The simpler “Thefor Village Cooperative gave us thegave incentive Call Carmen at (715) 675-0287 to speed up our desire downsize and“face D I S C O V E R Y O U R In 2013, after a surgery, I first came to Wausau Manor where they could Call Carmen at (715) to speed upmaintenance! our675-0287 desire to downsizetoand face reality we no longerfree need or want all care of me and get me strong again. A few days later, I took a short to learn more or the RSVP for that our upcoming • A community for active take the reality that we no longer need or want all to learnLunch more & orTour RSVPon for our upcoming free CAREFREE LIFESTYLE April 2nd from 10am to 2pm of our current responsibilities involved with adults, 55+ •home Excellent value! Lunch & Tour on ofApril from 10am to 2pm our 2nd current responsibilities involved with Gehrt walk down the hall to Applegate Terrace and decided it was for me! ownership.” Dick & Kelly Have more time to enjoy the things you love—without the worries of home
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With Wausau Manor on one side and Applegate Terrace on the other, I knew I would be in good hands. When I moved it was like Christmas! Village Cooperative of Wausau I am still able to live independently, but if something happens or if I am • Excellent value! 1508 Merril Avenue |incentive Wausau, WI If you areVillage readyCooperative for a simpler lifestyle, call Carmen @ 715.675.0287 “The gave us the to54401 speed in need of some therapy, there are people right here to help me with If you are ready a simpler lifestyle DISCOVER YOUR “Thefor Village Cooperative gave us the incentive SEE WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT! up our desire to downsize and face the reality that we whatever I need!” Call Carmen at (715) to speed up our675-0287 desire to downsize and face “The Village Cooperative changed our life. No more maintaining our home, plus we’ve made many friends here.” -Rick & Connie Village Cooperative Members
maintenance. Never before has home ownership been so easy. That’s because the Village Cooperative of Wausau is a community for active adults 55+ who 1508 Merril Avenue Wausau, WI 54401 want ownership, no maintenance, to be close| to friends and family, and enjoy what matters most to them—all at an excellent value!
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— Dorothea Woller, Applegate Terrace Resident and Wausau Manor Rehab Graduate
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Tips for Diffusing Family Conflict By Jane Mahoney, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging
P
roviding care for a loved one through a debilitating illness or at life’s end, can create stress on individuals and families alike. Each family member has his/her own response to the difficult situation and will have varying levels of commitment to help. Each person handles stress, grief and change in their own way and will also have different ideas of what is best for the loved one needing care. Good communication and a commitment to making the caregiving plan work are essential in keeping families strong through a difficult time. Disagreements are sure to arise, but the key to success is to diffuse the conflict before feelings are hurt, and long-lasting damage is done. Here are some tips that will help you avoid conflict and make your caregiving journey less stressful and more successful. ■ Be honest. Say that you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, scared, sad, etc. Then work together to diminish these feelings. ■ Use “I” statements to avoid blaming others. ■ Value everyone’s ideas and opinions. Don’t judge. There is not just one right way to provide care for someone. “Learn something
from someone with whom you disagree.” ■ Consider counseling. Caring for a loved one is stressful for even the healthiest families. Attend a support group with family members or seek private counseling if you fear relationships are about to be torn apart. ■ Share responsibility. When everyone has a task or responsibility, however small, a sense of teamwork is shared. ■ When times get tough, remind each other that it is the disease that has caused the challenge. Blame the disease, not the person with the disease (or each other) for hard times. ■ Step back and look at the larger picture. Sometimes we get hung up on a certain issue and lose sight of the more important goal (like
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happiness, safety and/or independence). ■ If you are the main caregiver, get some respite! Taking a break from your daily duties can boost your spirits and in turn help you be a better communicator. ■ LISTEN! Be an active listener by focusing on what is being said, including body language, without interrupting. We often miss much of what someone is saying because we are busy thinking about what we will say next. Or we “tune out” what is being said because we think we’ve already heard it. ■ Never assume anything. When doling out tasks, be specific and clear to avoid misunderstandings. Write down tasks so everyone is clear about expectations. ■ Find a good time to communicate. If you need to talk to someone don’t do it while they’re in the middle of something else. Always ask, “Is this a good time?” before diving in with a heavy topic. ■ Steer away from emotions. If something you’ve said has sparked strong emotions in someone (anger, tears, sarcasm), apologize and try again at a different time and in another way. If you are becoming emotional, ask to talk about it later, after you’ve calmed down. ■ Schedule regular family meetings, either in person, over the phone, or by e-mail so everyone is kept updated on how things are going.
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By Ashley L. Hawley, Jackman Law Firm
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relative of mine recently approached me regarding the sale of her house. She was thinking of downsizing and an opportunity just fell into her lap. She had been talking to a neighbor who indicated that he was looking for a nice house in the neighborhood for his adult son. When my relative told her neighbor that she would be interested in selling her house, he got very excited and asked her right away if he could make an offer before she put the house on the market. What my relative had was a perfect For Sale By Owner (“FSBO”) situation. But...what now? Buying or selling real estate can be confusing as it is, but with a FSBO it can be even worse because neither party is an expert on real estate transactions. Some items to consider:
1. Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?
Real estate agents (especially the good ones) are amazing at what they do. If you are looking to sell a house, the most stressfree way to do so is to hire a real
when home is where you want to be
estate agent. They will list the property and market it like crazy until they find the best deal that you can get for your house. In addition, a real estate agent will work with you to complete the paperwork, order title insurance, and answer any questions that you might have throughout the process. Another big benefit of a real estate agent is that they will help you select an appropriate price to list the property at. While the fair market value on the tax bill might give you a starting point for negotiations, if you look at comparative homes in your area that sold within the last year or so, you will come to realize that these assessments are not very accurate. Fair market value is defined as what a willing buyer would pay and what a willing seller would accept. The best way to “guess” at what your house’s fair market value is, is to look at what happened in other similar situations. It is also beneficial for a buyer to hire a real estate agent when looking to purchase property. Having a real estate agent, who you have hired to work for you, is much better than relying on the seller’s agent – who is
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working for the seller – to make recommendations for you. The disadvantage of a real estate agent is that they charge a commission – typically between 5-7% of the sales price. The nice part about the commission is that it is a flat amount, so you can bug this person as much as you want, make them show you a hundred different properties, write several counteroffers, etc., and you do not have to worry about your bill going up. The bad part is in a situation like the one above, where a buyer has already been found, the real estate agent will be getting paid way more than an attorney would charge to put together the paperwork. (The size of the commission is based on the assumption that the agent will have to work hard to earn their money and typically does.) There are some other options besides hiring a real estate agent or an attorney for a For Sale By Owner who wants to do most of the work themselves with only a small amount of help. These options will charge a lower commission but will only do some of the work that a real estate agent would do.
2. Ironing Out the Details:
Going back to the situation above, if you have already found a willing buyer, the next major step is to make sure that you have ironed out the details. Some things to consider: What will the purchase price be? What is included in the sale (the washer and dryer? refrigerator? other appliances?). When should
the closing take place? Is the buyer going to do an inspection? Does the buyer need financing? Whether you are the buyer or the seller, I would always recommend that you consult with an attorney at this stage to make sure that you know what your rights and obligations are under the law. They will help you draw up an offer to purchase, order title insurance, and get the closing documents together. So, the question is: can you draw up an offer to purchase by yourself? Do you really need an attorney? Of course you can, the real question is whether you should do so. First of all, all sale transactions for real estate MUST be in writing. An oral arrangement for the sale of your house will not stand up in court. Second, there are many tiny details in an offer to purchase that need to be discussed, and some rights that you might be giving up without fully understanding the consequences of doing so. Most attorneys handle FSBO situations on an hourly basis. You can choose to do most of the leg work yourself (such as working out the details of the transaction) and then go to the attorney only with specific questions or to formalize the agreement.
3. What is Title Insurance… and How Come I Need it?
Title insurance is where you hire a company to do a search of the title for your property and to make sure that there are not any unknown liens or encumbrances
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attached to the property. The title insurance company searches all of the documents recorded against the real estate and then insures that the buyer is receiving the property free and clear. In the event that there was something that was missed in the search, the title insurance company provides insurance coverage for that and liability coverage for any damages you might incur due to their error. Title insurance can be expensive, however, it is typically a good investment. Even in cases where the parties know each other (and perhaps are even related to each other) there are surprises that come up in the title work. The most common is judgments against the previous owners which show up as liens on real property that they own. Sometimes these judgments are entered in error, but the only way they would be discovered is with a title insurance check.
4. Closing Costs
The last stage of a FSBO is the closing. This is where
the deed gets signed and the property transfers from the sellers to the buyers. We have already discussed many of the costs associated with the FSBO transaction, however, there are two other closing costs that need to be addressed. First, in a typical transaction there are transfer taxes that are owed. (I say “typically” because transfer tax may not be required in gifting situations.) The transfer tax is .3% of the value of the real estate being transferred. Second, there is a $30 recording fee with the register of deeds to record the deed transferring the interest. A For Sale By Owner transaction can be the perfect way to transfer a piece of real estate to a willing buyer at an agreed upon price. That being said, there are a lot of little details that go in to any real estate transaction. If you are interested in selling your property on a FSBO basis, considering hiring an attorney to assist you through the process. They can help as little or much as you need to get you to the closing.
All Who Served WISCONSIN VETERANS HOME AT KING
A gem like no other, the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King is a long term and rehabilitative care facility serving veterans and their eligible dependents. We offer quality medical and nursing care to enhance quality of life. Our highly trained and dedicated staff strive to meet the unique needs of veterans by providing compassionate care built on the foundation of integrity, honor and respect. We look forward to talking with you to further assist with any questions you may have. We offer tours 7 days a week. Beds are available. We welcome qualified non-Wisconsin residents.
We are a star rating nursing facilty!
715.256.5027 | 888.458.5586 N2665 County Road QQ | King, WI 54946
www.WisVets.com
The Choice is Yours
Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration Ashley L. Hawley, Esq. 2100 Stewart Avenue, Suite 140 Wausau, WI 54401 ▪ (715) 298-9445
The AseraCare Hospice team’s goal is to help you and your family make the most of your time together. We pride ourselves in focusing on the entire family, not just the individual. We focus on dignity and quality of life with unparalleled support, truly individualized care plans and dedicated clinical teams.
This is our life’s work. This is our promise. For more information on our services, please call ...
AseraCare Hospice North Central WI 4107 Barbican Ave., Ste. 220, Weston, WI 54476 Phone 715-355-4797 or 877-234-8571
THE CHOICE IS YOURS Senior Review | 8
of NCWI (877) 234-8571 (715) 842-2805 www.AseraCare.com
Equal opportunity provider of healthcare services. AHS-06833-11-EI
Emphasizing Therapeutic Exercise to Reduce the Need for Prescription Medications By Dr. L. Voigt Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
P
rescription medication use has continued to rise over the past decade in the United States. As a result, American culture has become more and more drugged. Mayo reports nearly 7 in 10 Americans take prescription drugs and over half take two; 20% reportedly are on five or more medications (Mayo news releases June 2014). According to the Associated Press, traces of prescription medication have now even been discovered in our water supplies (http://www. hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/pharmawater_). Drugs certainly have a place in health care, but overuse has led to significant problems. First, the addictive nature of narcotic medications continue to destroy many individuals with chronic pain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emergency department visits involving abuse of pharmaceuticals (either alone or in combination with another drug) increased 98.4 percent between 2004 and 2009. In efforts to manage pain, more and more people appear to be heading to the prison of dependency (http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/Stats.html). Second, it’s important for the consumer to carefully consider the risks versus the benefits of medication. As an example, very commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol are Statins (i.e. Crestor and Lipitor); their use is controversial as well as the perceived need to lower high cholesterol levels. Research has
Seniors are an important and involved piece of our community and we appreciate them and all they have done! Thanks from all of us!
715-847-2382 or toll free 877-260-6755 3200 Westhill Drive, Suite 201 • Wausau, WI 54401 Wayne A. Brearley, MD • Daniel M. Seybold, MD • James P. Sutherland, MD George R. Tanner, MD • Faruk S. Abuzzahab, MD Jeremy W. Russel, D.O. • Scott R. Murch, MD
indicated Statin medications often create muscle pain, muscle weakness and wasting; they also can reduce the benefits of exercise, as well as increase risk of other medical disorders (Dr. Mercola, Joseph, 2010 & Thompson P, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2013). These drugs reportedly also have not been shown to make people live longer. Comparatively, research shows lifestyle changes (including therapeutic exercise) lead to a reduction of 4 out of 5 heart attacks in men (American College of Cardiology, Sept, 2014). Next, a barrier to lifestyle change is the desire for so many to use medication as a “quick fix” and not to focus on good balanced lifestyle and effective time management. For those who watch television, drug company multi-media (direct-toconsumer) advertising has greatly capitalized on this path of least resistance. Yet another barrier to change often is restrictive chronic pain and fear. A licensed doctor of physical therapy can be a relatively low cost solution. These health care professionals are highly trained to evaluate (as well as diagnose and treat) many musculoskeletal and neurological disorders while effectively educating patients
There’s No Place Like Home Staying in your home isn’t as easy as clicking your heels and wishing you were back home. Your care designed to meet your needs. We Provide: • Daily Living Needs • Housekeeping • Laundry • Meal Preparation • Supportive & Personal Care • Medication Reminders • Transport
• Errands, Shopping • Blood Pressure Checks • Transitional Care • Companionship • Affordable Care • Day or Night Care • And Much, Much More!
So Stay Home With Us!
A 1 Home Health Care (715) 359-8l60 • (7l5) 432-09ll
and reducing fear of movement. Good PT empowers individuals to be more functional and active, often breaking cycles of chronic pain. Besides improving quality of life, this can result in significant cost savings in medication, as well as downstream medical diagnostic testing and invasive procedures, especially with direct access and in cash-based settings. Next, consider the illuminating words of Thomas Edison: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Physical therapy adaptive movement interventions often are the best medicine and need more emphasis in our heath care culture. As an inventor, I believe Mr. Edison would have appreciated the impact and potential of the patented Backsmith Selective Stabilization Support on health care (backsmithsupports.com). For many, this unique tool helps significantly reduce pain, while improving strength and functional stability. Unmet needs are the mother of invention. To conclude, good lifestyle is all about good informed choices and time management. All of us have a responsibility to be proactive with our health. Consider how physical therapy can add quality of life to you or someone you love. Finally, it’s important to make time for wellness. In the words of Earl of Derby, “Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” Dr. L. Voigt Smith is the owner of Backsmith Advanced Physical Therapy in Weston (backsmithpt.com) and is the inventor of the Backsmith Selective Stabilization Support (backsmithsupports.com). He can be reached at 715-2985888 or by email at backsmith2009@hotmail.com.
“Where Quality Physical Therapy Movement Produces the Best Medicine.” Dr. Louis Voigt Smith PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
Physical Therapy Services Including: ▪ Land-based ▪ Aquatic ▪ Industrial ▪ Manual ▪ Home Health
H BA T I C KS M
PT
Advanced Physical Therapy LLC
3409 Schofield Ave., Suite E, Weston, WI 54476 Location also in Tomahawk
715-298-5888
backsmithadvancedphysicaltherapy.com
Senior Review | 9
Who’s Really in Charge of Your Funeral Arrangements? By Mary Miller, Certified Pre-Planning Specialist Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home
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s a pre-planning counselor at Peterson/ Kraemer Funeral Home, my role is to assist people with the process of sorting through all the options and choices to be made regarding their advance funeral and burial wishes. Usually, when all is said and done, people feel a great deal of peace of mind knowing that their wishes have been thoughtfully chosen and documented. Occasionally, however, I’m asked a final question whose answer may warrant that an additional step be taken in the pre-planning process. That question is, “Now that I’ve made my wishes known, no one can change them, can they?” Much to the surprise of many people, the answer to that question is yes, whoever is responsible for your funeral, memorial and burial arrangements at the time of your death could potentially make decisions contrary to what your pre-arranged wishes were. The funeral home has no legal authority to demand or enforce that your pre-planned wishes are followed. Generally speaking, we must abide by the decisions of whoever is
signing the contract for services and thereby committing to payment for those services. In some circumstances, your survivors simply must make alternative choices because the funds to pay for your wishes as you selected them just aren’t available. The best way to ensure that this isn’t the case is to set up an irrevocable funeral trust to set aside and protect funds specifically for the purpose of paying for your funeral and burial expenses at the time of need. Other times, the concern is that your wishes may not be followed because of potential disagreements among your survivors as to what should, or shouldn’t be done and how much should, or shouldn’t be spent. Families with multiple children, who may not see eye to eye, blended families or even domestic partners may be especially concerned about who will be in charge of your arrangements, and how they will handle the decisions to be made. Many people mistakenly assume that if they assigned a legal Power of Attorney granting someone the authority to make decisions for them, that this person will automatically be the one in charge of their funeral arrangements. This is not the case. A Power of Attorney ends at your death. After your death, decisions regarding your funeral will fall to your legal next of kin, regardless of what your Power of Attorney might have indicated.
If people express concern about this situation, I often suggest that an Authorization for Final Disposition be completed. When properly prepared, this document allows you to designate the person that you want to have the authority to make decisions regarding your funeral and burial arrangements after you die. It is the only way you can circumvent the legal “flow” of next of kin authority when it comes to your funeral arrangements, if that is your desire. Keep in mind that any documents regarding your personal wishes are only effective if they are provided to the appropriate people, or entities, so they can be acted on when needed. Be sure your loved ones know that you have made advanced arrangements and give them copies or let them know where to access them. Also, provide copies of your preplanned wishes to your funeral home, especially an Authorization for Final Disposition, if you have prepared one. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home has a full staff of professionals who are trained and licensed to assist you with preparing your preplanned funeral wishes, setting up irrevocable funeral trusts and completing an Authorization for Final Disposition, if you feel this is something you need. Take advantage of the opportunity to decide who will be in charge, while you are still in charge of deciding.
Planning for surgery?
Plan Ahead for Recovery. When Alan had hip replacement surgery, his family wanted to make sure he recovered well and returned home quickly. They called Mount View Care Center for their short-term rehab needs. A caring team helped them plan a successful road to recovery.
Successful outcomes begin with successful planning.
Providing the Most Extensive Continuum of Care in Wausau
Join us at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, June 20 at the Edgar Korner Kitchen or
Thursday, June 23 Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens Enjoy breakfast on us while our staff presents information and answers questions about the important topic of advance funeral and/or cremation planning. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 715-845-6900 to register.
www.norcen.org 2400 Marshall Street, Wausau • 715.848.4300 Senior Review | 10
Mount View Care Center
skilled nursing | short-term rehabilitation | dementia care
Athens Edgar Marathon Wausau East Wausau West
Turn Memories into
Memorials
www.rennesgroup.com
Memorials of Distinction
• Private Rooms • 24 Hour Nursing Care • In-House Staff Therapists • Home Safety Evaluation • Outpatient Rehabilitation • Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy • Long-Term Care • State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Equipment & Therapy Gyms • One-to-One Patient to Therapist Treatment
Many new styles and colors on display. We are proud of our quality, workmanship and prices.
Celebrating over 100 years of service
(715) 393-0400 • 4810 Barbican Ave, Weston
Norde Memorials
• Individual Private Apartments • Wireless internet/Cable included • 24 Hour Staff • Medication Monitoring • Transportation and Outings
Since 1914
• Healthy Homecooked Meals • Full time Nursing on site • Weekly Housekeeping • Emergency Response • Full Kitchen in Apartments
(715) 355-5858
4602 Barbican Avenue, Weston 05106470
101 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau ♦ 715-842-3545
Senior Apartments For Rent
The Marathon Housing Association is accepting applications for efficiency, 1- & 2-bedroom apartments Eligible applicants are 62+ years or disabled.
Rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross monthly income!
Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, Probate, and Asset Protection. Attorney Alan L. Hougum
WISCONSIN MANAGEMENT CO., INC. A better way...of living! Call 877-784-1643 for applications!
715-843-5001 www.hougumlaw.com
WMCaffordablehousing@wimci.com
WMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
• Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders • Errands • Shopping
• Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families • Live-In Care
Maintenance-free living with caring, supportive staff...
Proudly Chosen for the 3rd Consecutive Year as
Wausau’s Best Senior Living!
this is living! 2100 Townline Road Wausau, WI (715) 842-1818 PrimroseRetirement.com
®
Lexie Schremp • 425 Orbiting Drive, Suite A - Mosinee 715-693-3777 • Fax 715-693-3771 Surrounding Areas: 877-955-8777 lschremp@visitingangels.com Senior Review | 11
Be Seen on this page!! $50/month in full color! Call 715-831-0325 seniorreviewnewspapers@gmail.com
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: A New Option for Care Working together to meet the needs of patients and caregivers. MEMORY CLINIC
715.847.2004 or toll-free 866.236.1573
American Senior Benefits Joseph Kobart Agent/Advisor
Remember Your Loved Ones this Memorial Day with a Unique Cemetery Memorial.
LIFE, HEALTH, RETIREMENT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS
Cell 715-212-5361
2620 Stewart Ave., Ste 14, Wausau, WI 54401 FREE CONSULTATION ◆ email: jkobart@yahoo.com
Be Seen Here! Call Us Today! 715.831.0325
1602 Grand Ave., Wausau, WI 54403 715-842-4696
2720 Plaza Drive, Ste 1400B, Wausau
Be Seen Here! Call Us Today! 715.831.0325
Providing Quality, Personal Care for the Elderly • Furnished Room With Free Cable • Homecooked Meals • Medication Monitoring • 24 Hour Staffing • Respite Care Offered
Family Owned and Operated
(715)355-8246 or (715)241-8807 2480 Terrebonne Drive Mosinee, WI 54455
465441-01
Working for You! Call 715-574-4759
Deb Smith
www.debsmithsells.com DebSmith@coldwellaction.com
For all your real estate needs, count on professional, friendly service from an experienced agent.
Beste Funeral Home
B
3 Generations Serving Our Community Since 1934
James Ogurek National Board Certified Hearing Aid Specialist State License #298
Hearing Solutions, Inc. 330 Grand Avenue • Wausau, WI 54403 715-842-9882 or 1-800-236-4060
DRACH ELDER LAW CENTER Jeffery J. Drach,
Certified Elder Law Attorney
500 Third Street, Suite 202 Wausau, WI 54403 Nursing Home Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate Tax Avoidance Planning
(715) 842-0606 or Toll Free 1-866-353-3352
Senior Review | 12
• Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Monuments
Call (715) 842-3993 today for an appointment to discuss your final wishes and experience the freedom of knowing that it’s all taken care of.
Curtis Beste, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director 611 3rd Street, Mosinee (715) 693-2450 465441-01
Be Seen Here! Call Us Today! 715.831.0325
GREETING CARDS BETTER CARDS PARTY HEADQUARTERS!
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BASICS Balloons ★ Decorations ★ Gift Wrap ★ Gifts SUPPLIES Napkins ★ Plates ★ Cutlery ★ Table Rolls
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GREETING C
Better Cards
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EXTRAS Mardi Gras Beads ★ Pinatas ★ Leis ★BETTER Bulk Toy Favors PRICE
Phone: 920-929-8500 661 W Schofield Johnson St Fond du lac 1512 Ave. • Schofield
FACTORY OUTLET WI-SPAD110622_105111_1
Hours: M-F 9 - 9; SA. 9-8; SU. 10-5 715-355-4647 www.5050factoryoutlet.com
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each