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Gold Age

Magazine

Professional Trade Publication for Assisted Lifestyles of All Ages in Minnesota

Cover Feature Story

St. Benedict’s

Senior Community

2008 Volume 11

Also Inside: Beltone • Role Reversal • What’s Happening

Prose by Ekula Saq â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Permobil user since 2001

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Contents Feature Stories

St. Benedict’s 16

Beltone

Editorials/ In this issue 5 Put a Smile on an Elder’s Face this Holiday Season 9 Manage Your Finances 11 Eliminating Home Safety Issues

17 World AIDS Day 18 Role Reversal 20 Is an ALD Right For You?

12 What’s Happening in Minnesota Gold Age Magazine

Gold Age Magazine

Publisher: Ruth Tharaldson

Assistant Publisher: Jo Grussing Photographer: Stancampiano Imaging Production Managers: Bob Byers, Susan Koshiol, Mary Gohman Account Manager: Dawn Larson Graphic Designer: Carolee Scherbing Commercial Printer: Sunray Printing Inc. 25123 22nd Ave St. Cloud, MN 56301 1-888-253-8808 Contributing Writers: Joan Aasve, Susan Cushing, Lori Foss, Amy Labbe, Gail Wempner GOLD AGE Magazine is published by Pavonis, LLC. Principle office: Phone:(952)873-5418; Fax:(952)873-5641 Email:info@goldagemagazine. com. COPYRIGHTÂŠ2008, Pavonis LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. Precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, GOLD AGE Magazine cannot be held for opinions expressed or facts supplied by itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authors. The advertisers, associate publisher, publisher, and Pavonis, LLC are not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors.

Interested in spending your advertising dollars wisely? Please call: 952-873-5418 or email: info@goldagemagazine.com 4

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Put a Smile on an Elder’s Face this Holiday Season …and Throughout the Year By Joan Aasve

any elders living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, senior housing, and in their own home, can feel particularly depressed or isolated during the holidays and you can help. If you would like to brighten the holidays for an elder, or a group of elders, there are a variety of things you can do. Whether you are an individual willing to volunteer your time, belong to an organization or place or worship that is willing to volunteer some time, or a neighbor of an elderly person, there are many ways to improve their quality of life – during the holidays and throughout the year.

Individuals:

Contact the administrator of a nursing home or other senior living setting in your community. Ask them if they have anyone who resides in their establishment, who would be interested in a visitor during the holidays. If you have elderly neighbors check-in with them and see if you can help. A few ideas on how to help are: * Simply visit and share stories. * Read a favorite book or poem out loud to an elder with vision impairment. * Play cards or a board game. * Provide assistance with writing Christmas cards or letter. * Provide transportation to the store to do some holiday shopping. * Provide a ride to see the holiday lights one evening. * Arrange with the administrator an entertainment evening or afternoon, if you play a musical instrument or sing. * Offer to shovel off their driveway or sidewalk, take out their trash, run an errand, or complete some other household task, for those elders who live at home. * Bring them a home cooked meal and ask if you could possibly join them. * Invite an elder in your neighborhood to join you for a holiday meal. * Volunteer to help trim their Christmas tree.

Community Organizations:

Many organizations sponsor an activity or an event for elders in their community. Your organization or place of worship could arrange with the Nursing Home, other Senior Living Settings or with elders in your neighborhood to: * Sing holiday songs and go caroling as you stroll though the building with residents.

* Organize a boutique sale at their group residence, so they would not have to go out to purchase holiday gifts. * Donate small gifts which they could pick from to give to their loved ones. * Donate gifts for the facility to pass out to their residents. (See gift ideas below.) * Rent a bus for elders who are mobile and able to have an evening out – a musical event, a play, or a dinner at a restaurant. * Fundraise to provide residents of a nursing home or other type of senior living a new amenity, such as, an aquarium with maintenance, a popcorn machine, a large flat screen television, a new outdoor garden or patio. * Offer various chores which members of your place of worship would be willing to do for elders living in their homes. Make it known to the elders. Your place of worship could coordinate this effort.

Gift Ideas for the Elderly

* Tabletop Playing Cardholders and Easy-to-Read Cards * Large button remote control or telephone * Lap desk – various types including beanbag bottom * Nonskid socks * DVD Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series (2007) * Walker or wheelchair bags to hold items * Puzzle books with large print * Book of postage stamps * Gift Certificate for a service available at their residence * Bird feeders for those who have a window where this is possible. * Magnifying glass or glasses * Big knob radio * Soaps, bath salts, lotion.

The above are just some ideas for gifts and of volunteer efforts which can make a difference in an elder’s quality of life. Getting to know an individual elder in your community’s nursing home, senior housing, or living in their neighborhood home or apartment, will give you ideas about what you can do to fulfill that elder’s individual wishes or needs. For more information please contact Joan Aasve @ www.eldercarerights.org

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St. Benedict’s Senior Communities

The Exceptional Choice In Senior Living

Like a shining beacon, St. Benedict’s Senior Community leads the way in health care and lifestyle options for seniors. Part of the CentraCare Health System, this Catholic-based organization was originally founded by the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict more than 30 years ago and now provides a wealth of healing and life-enriching programs for seniors in the two delightful communities of St. Cloud and Monticello, Minnesota.

St. Cloud

Offering a wealth of choices, St. Benedict’s Senior Community-St. Cloud offers a warm and welcoming environment encompassing the desires and needs of its residents. Excellent design and thoughtful planning provide the perfect blend of choices and support in a lovely setting. Here, residents can opt for the freedom and security of independent and assisted living; short stay care for those recovering after a hospital stay; long-term care for residents requiring 24-hour care for an extended stay; respite care offering temporary care while caregivers are away; or even hospice care.

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Stunning common areas offer everything from a spacious library and lounge with a fireplace to a comfortable dining room and recreational area. The grounds of Benedict Village are lovely as well — a nature path through the woods, a gazebo, numerous raised garden plots and a deck with a breathtaking view of the city help make the setting a nature lover’s dream.

Gorecki Care Center

Benedict Village

Ideal for those seeking an independent yet free-from-worry lifestyle, Benedict Village features 95 one-and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 511 to 952 square feet. Each apartment home offers a host of desirable features and amenities. Benedict Village offers a unique and active lifestyle specifically designed for residents age 62 and older who seek a high level of independence, combined with the benefits of an attractive senior community. Each apartment home is designed with thoughtful detail and elegant appointments but without the responsibilities of upkeep and maintenance.

Recently renamed the Gorecki Care Center in honor of generous benefactors, Benedict and Dorothy Gorecki of Milaca, the long-term and short stay care areas at St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud provide skilled nursing services including hospice and respite care, as well as services for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other memoryloss conditions. Support through monetary gifts such as the one offered by the Gorecki’s provides additional improvements to the facility. In fact, their $3.5 million gift was used to create a new wing of private rooms for residents. Other significant gifts have been received from: Donlar Construction, Hughes Matthews, P.A., LarsonAllen, LLP, Otto Bremer Foundation, John and Delphine Undersander, and John and Mary Weitzel. “At St. Benedict’s Senior Community, we rely on philanthropy to fill the gaps in long-term care funding,” said Linda Doerr, executive director of St. Benedict’s Senior Community. “We are blessed to have benefactors such as

Harmonious, tasteful décor lends itself to a variety of styles, making it easy to coordinate furnishings into a new home and new life. Safety and convenience are of paramount importance here making life easier and more secure. Elevators, garages, freeparking, controlled access entries, easy-access buildings, private mailboxes, emergency call system and the daily “OK” check-ins are just a few of the services designed to offer peace of mind. While considered an independent-living community, certain considerations afford optimum freedom from unnecessary concerns such as coin-operated laundry services and scheduled home care. Centered on an active social life, Benedict Village features a variety of opportunities to explore interests and hobbies such as: exercise room, pool table, computer and Internet access, raised garden plots, scheduled outings and shopping trips, group activities, entertainment, and, of course, a serene chapel. There also is an onsite barber and beauty shop for residents’ convenience.

Gold Age Magazine

continued from page 7 Benedict and Dorothy Gorecki whose gifts help create a warm, homelike environment for our residents.” Offering a diverse selection of senior lifestyle options, The Gorecki Care Center now features: 40 additional private resident rooms, a satellite physical therapy suite, a short stay unit, two Bariatric rooms, three respite care rooms, hospice room, a salon, gift shop, and café. Housing more than 500 people throughout its campus, St. Benedict’s Senior Community - St. Cloud includes 222 long-term care and short stay beds, 39 assisted living apartments, 95 independent apartments, Benedict Homes and Benet Place. Benedict Homes provide a warm and caring environment for those experiencing early stage memory loss symptoms while Benet Place offers subsidized housing for seniors.

Monticello

Equally enchanting is the lush St. Benedict’s Senior Community at Monticello. Featuring a lobby that’s reminiscent of a five star hotel, the Monticello campus has first-class accommodations for retirement living, assisted living and memory care. A timeless setting augmented with thoughtful design, convenient amenities, and a wealth of fun-filled activities, Monticello, like its sister campus, affords a variety of options and choices for today’s seniors.

The Village

“Comfort…Independence…Choices” is the anthem in this active adult community. Truly, senior living at its very best, The Village offers the opportunity for those 62 and older to simplify their lives and focus on those things they enjoy. Life here offers the freedom and dignity of an independent lifestyle combined with the comfort and security afforded by a wealth of services and deluxe amenities. “Our buildings were designed to promote and accommodate active aging for seniors,” notes Director Sandy Haggerty. Each of the 59 apartment-homes has been thoughtfully designed with spacious floorplans and attractive architecture. Residents also enjoy the flexibility of a month-to-month rental. “What truly sets The Village apart in my opinion, is the warm community environment,” notes Director of Marketing and Communications, Cheri Tollefson Lehse. “It seems that those living here connect with their neighbors very quickly and develop a real sense of community. There are so many activities, so many opportunities for socializing and it seems that neighbors quickly become friends. There’s definitely an atmosphere of ‘family’ here.”

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Lending to this friendly, open lifestyle is the heart of the community, the Town Centre. Recent expansions have created a social and recreational hub that seems to foster continued on page 14

MANAGE YOUR FINANCES WITH A REVERSE MORTGAGE By: Gail Wempner

hen financial markets are unsteady, it’s essential to stay flexible and know all your options.

Today more and more seniors are finding a reverse mortgage to be an optimal choice in keeping their cash flow streams unabated and their financial peace of mind intact. A reverse mortgage can be used to meet a wide array of retirement goals. Whether the objective is avoiding excessive depletion of retirement assets or funding a favorite dream, senior homeowners should learn about the features and benefits of a reverse mortgage. Ever-rising costs in health care, prescription drugs, energy, and property taxes stress even the best-prepared seniors. Add to this scenario the growing longevity of our senior population and thus the increasing number of years they are spending in retirement. The result? More seniors are retiring with debt or concerns about outliving their resources. And they need to find a creative solution.

A reverse mortgage may be used, not as a ‘last resort’, but as part of an integrated strategy to improve the odds that your financial resources will last a lifetime. Using the cash available from home equity can especially be of help during the present time of financial turmoil. Seniors can conserve principle by drawing funds from a reverse mortgage line of credit. Or they may supplement their income with monthly checks from a reverse mortgage instead of cashing in their investments when markets are depressed. When using the line of credit option with most reverse mortgage plans, no interest charges accrue until the money is accessed. And the amount available to the borrower continues to grow, making more cash available in the future. The reverse mortgage financial strategy may also result in a lower tax bracket. The IRS considers this money to be a loan rather than income, making it a tax-free source of funds. continued on page 10

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continued from page 9 A reverse mortgage enables seniors, age 62 and older, to convert part of the equity in their home to cash without selling the home, giving up the title, or taking on a new monthly payment. The amount the senior homeowner can borrow generally depends on their age, the value of their home, current interest rates and the type of loan program chosen. With the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), the cash can be accessed as a line of credit, lump sum distribution, regular monthly check or any combination of these options. The only requirement for the use of these funds is that any existing lien or mortgage must be satisfied before the cash is used for other purposes. Many reverse mortgages are used simply for the purpose of paying off a current mortgage, thus reducing monthly cash flow expenditures. The usual argument against a reverse mortgage is the closing costs, which can appear high. Closing costs for the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) generally total about 5% of the home value and should be considered amortized over the years the homeowner intends to stay in the home. They include a 2% mortgage insurance premium for the HECM, an insurance premium which protects the homeowner. Proprietary reverse mortgage products often have very low closing costs and higher interest rates.

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Most reverse mortgages are guaranteed to be non-recourse loans---the loan repayment due cannot exceed the value of the home. And any remaining equity always belongs to the borrower or their heirs. The title always remains in the homeowner(s) name. Safeguards in place include required advance counseling by independent HUD-approved counselors as well as mandated full disclosure of all costs and facts about reverse mortgages. These safeguards help to ensure that the borrower makes an informed decision on whether a reverse mortgage is right for their specific situation. Reverse mortgage demand continues to increase at a phenomenal rate and industry leaders expect to see ongoing growth in this unique loan. New legislation has made possible lower costs, larger loan amounts, and increased flexibility to the HECM product, including a reverse mortgage designed for home purchases. Want to know more? I’d be happy to give you a free analysis and explain how a reverse mortgage may fit the bill for your retirement years. Gail Wempner is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist (952) 544-0821 or by email gail@marketplacehome.com.

Eliminating Home Safety Issues – Autonomy for Many Elders By Joan Aasve

ccording to a recent AARP housing survey, 83% of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives. They find their homes comfortable and convenient and feel secure and independent there. Home accidents are one of the most common reasons that seniors make trips to the hospital or need to move to an alternative living facility like an assisted living community or a nursing home. Home safety is one of the easiest, yet most important assessments which can be made for seniors wanting to remain in their home. Simple alterations can prevent onethird of all home accidents.

grasp with both hands; lights that illuminate a wide area of the yard and walkway; peephole in the front door low enough for seniors to use.

All Living Areas:

Doorways wide enough to pass through with the use of a walker or wheelchair; no electrical or phone cords running under rugs or carpeting or across open areas; no frayed electrical cords; electrical outlets and switches not overloaded – not hot to the touch; accessible light switches that can be turned on without walking across a dark room; use highest allowable wattage light bulbs; (reduce glare by using frosted light bulbs); light The following are things to note in an elder’s home to assess switches located at bottom of stairs; edge or stairs should be whether or not it is a safe environment. Steps then can be able to be clearly seen and illuminated when light is on, no made to rectify safety hazards. Most of the items noted below casters or wheels on furniture; two working smoke detectors are common sense, but a list helps bring things to mind. As on every floor; carbon monoxide detector on each floor if you assess the home’s safety, other items may come to mind the house uses natural gas; easy access to a telephone in every that are determined by individual needs. room; skid free rugs and mats; no throw rugs; all rooms free of clutter on floor so that the elder can move from room to room Home Entrance: S: 7 in easily; no clutter on stairs, even temporarily. Steps and walkways in good repair; railings that are easy to continued on page 22

S: 4.875 in

Odds of a child becoming a top fashion designer: 1 in 7,000 Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 150 Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.

No babbling by 12 months.

No words by 16 months.

To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org © 2007 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's Time To Listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.

Gold Age Magazine

What’s Happening Volume 11 2008

The University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview, was ranked among the nation’s top 30 children’s hospitals in two medical specialties in the magazine’s 2008 edition of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.” U.S. News & World Report Pamela DeShaw is making a real difference in the culturally diverse Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and her efforts have earned her the 2008 Fairview Cares Award. DeShaw, an Administrative Nursing Supervisor at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, is honored for her volunteer work outside of Fairview with Family Opportunities for Living Collaboration (FOLC), a local non-profit organization focused on providing programs that address the health and family needs of the community while promoting leadership.

is a $900 minimum per rider to participate (personal donation or pledges). Prizes will be awarded the riders who raised the most money. For more information visit, www.alsmn.org. Mankato Area Date: every 2nd & 4th Thurs. at 6:30 pm; NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Groups, one is for the person with the illness & the other is for family members & close friends. They meet at Bethel Baptist Church, 1250 Monks Ave., Mankato, Please call Julie Soper with questions, 507-317-3595. Date: Thursdays 7 pm; Overeaters Anonymous meet at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 207 McConnell St., Mankato. Info. Heidi L, 507-381-7901. Support Group For Women who are victims/survivors of sexual violence. Mankato area. Contact Emily Bittner at Crime Victim Services for dates, times & locations, 507-934-2222.

Dr. Richard M. Bergenstal has been chosen to receive the fifth annual Bruce Zimmerman Award in recognition of his efforts to combat diabetes in Minnesota.The award was presented by the Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee and the Diabetes Program at the Minnesota Department of Health and Many Faces of Community Health Conference in the Twin Cities. Dr. Bergenstal is executive director of the International Diabetes Center (IDC) at Park Nicollet Health Services and adjunct professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He currently serves as vice president of Medicine and Science at the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and sits on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Chapter Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

The Common Good Retired And Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Central MN offers people 55 and better opportunities to volunteer in Blue Earth, Nicollet, Le Sueur and Waseca Counties. We match your skills, schedules and interests with volunteer opportunities to many different community agencies and projects in these areas. Activities range from intergenerational programs, to teaching job skills, environmental issues, building Habitat Homes, and so much more. Receive insurance while you volunteer, along with other benefits. For information, please call 1-800-584-5450.

Date: January 31, 2009; Race Up the Place 2009 Stair Climb to benefit American Lung Association of Minnesota. Join hundreds of people climbing the stairs (660 stairs) in the Accenture Tower, 333 East Seventh Street. Climb with us to raise money to support the ALAMN’s clean air initiatives, vital programs and research in the fight against lung diseases like asthma, lung cancer and COPD. $25 registration fee; $100 minimum fundraising total. Register today at www.raceuptheplace.com. For more information contact Jennifer Schroeder , 651-223-9561.

Date: 4th Monday from 6:30 - 8:00 pm; Grieving Parents (of all ages) Support Group - Alexandria Area. Alexandria Clinic, Medical Conference Center. Kathryn Fischer, RN Advisory Council for Grieving Parents 320-763-5781.

Date: February 4, 2009; Black Woods Blizzard Tour – Never Surrender - The snowmobile ride starts with a send-off reception at the Black Woods Grill and Bar in Proctor, MN, Wednesday evening. After a night's stay at the adjacent Americlnn, riders will depart Thursday morning for Lake Vermillion where they will have dinner and accommodations at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino. Friday morning it's a trip down the scenic North Shore to Two Harbors where they will have dinner at Black Woods Restaurant and then spend the night. Saturday, February 7, riders will return to Proctor. Buses will transport riders to Greysolon Plaza Ballroom for a welcome home reception and dinner. There

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Alexandria Area Date: 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm; Fibromyalgia Support Group Alexandria, MN Douglas County Hospital Education Room. For More information contact Jan Halverson 320-763-5217

Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month from 2 - 4 pm; Caregivers Support Group. First Lutheran Church/Family Room, 822 Douglas St. Alexandria, MN 56308 Mary Krueger at 320-762-3047. Date: 2nd Monday from 5 - 6:30 pm; Multiple Sclerosis Support Group St. Mary's Office Building. 420 Irving St. in Alexandria, MN. Dennis at 320-763-5009 or Deb @ 320-859-5610. Duluth Area Date: First Tuesday of the month; Cancer Care Support Group For cancer patients and their families. St. Luke's Lakeview Building, Fourth Floor 1001 East Superior Street. No charge. For more information, call 218-249-5489. Date: First Thursday of each month; Heart To Heart Support Group for heart patients and their families. St. Luke's Lakeview

In Minnesota Building, Fourth Floor 1001 East Superior Street. No charge. RSVP requested. For more information, call 218-249-5167. Date: First Monday of each month; Breast Cancer Support Group for breast cancer patients and their families. St. Luke’s Cancer Center, Lakeview Building, 1001 East Superior Street, First Floor. For more information, call 218-249-5361. No charge. Diabetes Support Group for people with diabetes and their families. No charge. For information on dates and times and to pre-register, call 218-249-5231. Date: Third Thursday of each month; Choosing Life 218-7332356 or choosinglife@mdmc.sisunet.org For women who place children in adoption. Time: at 7 pm; in Miller-Dwan's meeting rooms 1 & 2. Cancer Support and Discussion Groups Duluth, MN 218786-4689 or (218) 786-4447, Caregiver Support Group 7865325 For persons caring for a person who has had a stroke. Minneapolis Area Date: Wednesdays at 7 pm; The Friends and Family Community Support Group – Mental Illness Minneapolis MN- Interested participants should meet at Hennepin County Medical Center, on Level 5 of the Blue Building, in the waiting area near the blue elevator. For more information, contact: Kenn, RN, or Gaida, RN, at 873-4320 or 873-2930. Date: Second Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am - 11:30 am; The Hennepin Diabetes Support Group offers information and discussion about diabetes related topics. This group meets on the in the Hennepin Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, which is located on the first floor of the Shapiro Building. For more information, please call 612-873-6800. St Paul Area Date: Each Tuesday Family Support Group Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm; Location: Bethesda Hospital, 7th Floor Conference room. Bethesda Hospital, 559 Capitol Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55103 Date: Fourth Thursday of each month; Caregiver Support Group for families living with dementia. Time: 10 am - noon; Location: Bethesda Hospital, B-Level Conference Room Bethesda Hospital, 559 Capitol Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55103.For more information, call: 651-326-2178. Date: Second Tuesday of each month; Parkinson's Support Group, Time: 10 am to noon, Location: Bethesda Hospital, 7th floor conference room. Bethesda Hospital, 559 Capitol Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55103. For more information, call 651-232-2098. Date: First Wednesday of each month; Spinal Cord Injury Support Group Time: 6 - 8 pm; Location: Bethesda Hospital, 7th floor conference room. Bethesda Hospital, 559 Capitol Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55103. For more information, call 651-232-2128.

Date: First Thursday of each month; Stroke Support Group Time: 2 - 4 pm; Location: Bethesda Hospital, 7th floor conference room. Bethesda Hospital, 559 Capitol Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55103. For more information, call 651-232-2128. St Cloud Area Date: Third Monday of each month; Breast Cancer Survivor Group, St Cloud, MN. Time: 6:30 - 8 pm; Please contact Juli Sanner, RN, OCN, at 320-229-5199, ext, 71693 for more information. Date: Third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm; Caregivers Support Group for Seniors, Meets at the Whitney Senior Center. Brenda Turner, 320-252-0010, ext. 30354 Date: Third Tuesday of every other month; A.W.A.K.E. Support Group Time: 6:30 - 8 pm; January, March, May, July, September and November. If you have questions or would like more information, please call 320-251-0726. Us, Too St. Cloud, MN This support group is open to men who have experienced prostate cancer - spouses are also welcome. Contact John Wolfe at the Adult and Pediatric Urology Clinic at 320-203-6919 for current meeting schedule Road to Recovery. This new American Cancer Society program provides a trained volunteer to drive cancer patients to and from cancer treatment. Contact the local American Cancer Society office at 320-255-0220 for more information on the program. Date: Third Tuesday of each month; Families with Special Needs Children Support Group Families of children with special medical needs are invited to attend the CentraCare Family Connection - Families Special Health Care Needs Network meeting. Time: The group meets from 7-9 pm; in the lower level at the CentraCare Health Plaza, 1900 CentraCare Circle. For more information, contact group facilitators John and Brianna Inkster at 320-230-2068. CPR 2008 - Basic Life Support - Initial Course Designed for health care personnel. Class includes: Adult 1 & 2 person CPR and obstructed airway treatment; Infant CPR and obstructed airway treatment; Multiple choice exam on heart disease, risk factors, signals and actions for survival; Demonstration of barrier devices and automated external defibrillator (AED). Classes are 4.5 hours. CentraCare Health System: $30; Outside participants: $34 No cost to St. Cloud Hospital employees. To register for a class or to obtain more information, please call 320-255-5642. Class size is limited; registrations taken on a first come, first served basis. ACLS 2008 - Advanced Cardiac Life Support – Initial Designed for health care personnel. This course is offered through St. Cloud Technical College. Please contact St. Cloud Technical College at 320-308-0015 Fee: $250.00

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continued from page 8 the warmth of a small town. It’s the ideal spot to meet family and friends, perhaps visit over lunch in the beautiful dining room, or adjourn to the Club Room for a lively game of pool, cards or even catch the big game on the bigscreen TV! Bringing Hollywood right to their door, the authentic movie theater offers all the comfort and drama of watching first-rate entertainment without really leaving home. For those who like to “surf ”, the spacious media center/library offers computer and Internet access. And staying in shape and looking your best is easy with the active fitness center and convenient beauty/barber salon. Residents happily browse through the General Store for everyday sundries and all-faiths enjoy the quiet beauty of the new Chapel. “The chapel is gorgeous. I am so proud to show it to people,” exclaims Estelle Kimball, a resident of The Village at St. Benedict’s Senior Community – Monticello. Kimball says she appreciates that the chapel offers both Catholic and Protestant services for residents who are not able to go to their own churches. Best of all, the entire complex is carefully comfort controlled with central air in the summer and warmth during those Minnesota winters. And, residents easily access the Town Centre amenities through the lovely solarium, which links directly to The Village apartments. “Our Town Centre is the hub of St. Benedict’s community,” notes Haggerty. “Individual preferences and interests are met in the media center, general store, beauty/barber salon, fitness center, theater, club room, outdoor enclosed courtyard and chapel. At St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello, you truly can have it all!”

The Court

Perfectly suited for those who require some assistance yet still treasure their independence, The Court features 91 studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments with 30 of these privately located for those with memory loss. Preserving both privacy and independence, skilled assistance is offered for those who might need a little extra help with bathing, laundry, dressing, morning or evening care, medications, or other support services. Also conveniently located near the Town Centre, The Court offers the same lush landscaping features ideal for long walks or quiet meditation amongst raised garden plots, shade trees and other greenery. As an assisted living residence, The Court offers three meals a day, light housekeeping, a weekly laundering of bed linens, annual window cleaning and all building and grounds maintenance. Additionally residents enjoy the security and convenience of controlled

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entry/access, central elevator, personal pendant call system, grab bars in the bathroom, and transportation to scheduled activities.

“It’s good exercise for your body and a great way to stimulate your mind,” observes Betsy Horsch, director of Therapeutic Recreation at St. Benedict’s Senior Community.

In addition, Memory Care residents enjoy a private, gated courtyard with key pad entry and exit; laundering of all personal clothing; medication set-up, administration and monitoring; staff assistance with one weekly bath; and an escort to meals, activities, beauty salon and other events within The Court.

Besides the Wii™ in the Care Center, the St. Cloud campus also has Wii™ at Benedict Court, the assisted living apartments, and one in the Memory Loss Unit and another at Benedict Village, the independent living apartments. St. Cloud Hospital Adult Rehabilitation also is using the Wii™ as part of its program.

Coming Together

Whether speaking about the campus in St. Cloud or Monticello, the philosophy remains the same, offer comfort, independence, and choices for vital aging. With a sincere desire to create a lovely and caring environment, the staff of St. Benedict’s Senior Community always is striving for new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of their residents. With the recent advent of new “high-tech” games, they were able to offer not only a new form of entertainment but one that also plays an integral role in physical fitness. Wii™ video games feature wireless controllers resembling TV remotes that encourage users to twist, turn and become just as active as the characters on the screen while playing golf, baseball or boxing. Whether players are completely mobile or in wheelchairs, they can swing the “Wiimote” like a tennis racquet or mimic the motion of rolling a bowling ball down the lane. Sounds enhance the appeal by imitating the game in progress, sounding like real pins falling down.

“This computer game gives residents with memory loss the opportunity to do the things they love — even with physical limitations,” says Barb Smith, clinical unit manager for the Memory Loss Unit. “This is not a computer system where only the fingers move. The person needs to swing arms, flex elbows, use wrists, and with some games, move their whole body to play.” “We want our residents to remain active with both their minds and bodies and thought the Wii™ would be a great addition to our facility,” adds Angie Rangel, director of Benedict Court. In Monticello, Wii™ is part of the entertainment in the new Club Room at The Village, the independent retirement living apartments. With the big screen TV, Wii™ is good competition for the more traditional games of pool or cards. Whether “nesting” their new home, visiting with friends, or partaking of the many recreational opportunities, residents at St. Benedict’s Senior Community are fully invested in rich and active lives. For more information, please call the St. Cloud campus at (320) 252-0010 or the Monticello campus at (763) 295-4051. Or visit www.centracare.com.

Gold Age Magazine

Beltone Listens To Customers Offers Personalized Presentations To Your Company!

By Susan Cushing

Since 1940, Beltone has been the premier name in hearing health care. Today, with more than 1,450 offices in North America alone, Beltone products are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide. Not only does Beltone stand as the most trusted name for quality products in the industry, but also for its superior care and customer support. John Wesenberg, Manager of Hearing Health Care Programs for Beltone USA clarifies this asset. “Not only are services available through our individual Beltone providers, but in addition, my department can work with companies on regional or national hearing programs for their individual populations.” It’s quite common in fact for corporations, assisted living communities, and other interested factions to request on-site presentations. According to Wesenberg, this is where his department steps in with assistance. “We facilitate coordination between your facility and a local Beltone provider for on-site informational meetings. The majority of our providers are more than happy to provide presentations, attend health fairs, or other informational seminars. I say ‘most’ only because there are some Beltone providers whose business model is such that they simply do not have the staff to provide these extraneous services. But we always strive to offer as much support, information, and training as our alliances require.” Sustaining their prominence in this critical area of heath care, Beltone hearing aids are developed using only the latest hearing technology and are designed to fit just about any lifestyle and hearing loss. As a matter of fact, Beltone has been helping the hearing impaired for over 65 years and is part of one of the largest hearing aid company in the world with a substantial provider network all easily identified with the Beltone name. “The Beltone brand name is extremely well recognized by consumers,” notes Wesenberg, “and is #1 in top-of-mind brand awareness among adults 50+. Beltone is the hearing aid brand people trust for the highest quality product and services.” Obviously, with an entire national department dedicated to providing customized services, benefits and discount programs are a big focus at Beltone. Whether you are a program contractor or a plan member looking for information, Beltone has something for you. In addition to personalized service, world-renowned brand recognition, and a long history of quality care and strong customer support, all Beltone hearing instruments come with the exclusive BelCare™ commitment. This is recognized in the industry as one of the most comprehensive aftercare programs available. From the very first hearing screening through all the years of use with Beltone hearing instruments, BelCare™ assures a lifetime of attention at any one of Beltone's participating hearing care centers nationwide. No other company offers the same level of commitment. For more information please contact: John Wesenberg, Manager of Hearing Health Care Plans Beltone USA Phone: 1-800-621-1275, ext. 3833 Email wesenbergj@beltone.com Or visit them online at: www.Beltone.com

Gold Age Magazine

BELTONE HEARING

HEALTH CARE

Beltone has been helping people hear better for 65 years. A commitment to education and ongoing training plus high technology has set Beltone apart as the most trusted name in hearing care among adults over 50. Plus, BelCareTM assures you lifetime of attention at any one of Beltone’s hearing care centers nationwide. No other company offers the same level commitment. Beltone can work with your organization on a regional or national level to develop a hearing health care program for your members. With over 1450 Beltone provider locations we can offer your members savings through a discount or benefit program for hearing aids and services. Where feasible we can facilitate Beltone providers to work with your organization for in-house presentations and hearing services. Beltone offers state of the art hearing technology and services along with the exclusive BelCare™ Member Satisfaction Plan, a standardized customer service program that ensures you consistent delivery of service regardless of the Beltone location. BelCareTM is a commitment from Beltone hearing care practitioners that ensures your experience is professional, comfortable and worry-free.

There are more than 1450 Beltone locations in the United States. Come in and experience the Beltone difference today!

For more information please contact

Beltone Hearing Health Care at 1-800-BELTONE (1-800-235-8663) ext. 3833

World AIDS Day

nnual World AIDS Day was observed Dec. 1 For the 21st consecutive year, the world commemorated World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 1. Minnesota will join other states and more than 200 countries to call attention to the worldwide epidemic. "World AIDS Day provides us with an opportunity to heighten the awareness that AIDS is still here and that there is still no cure or vaccine to halt its spread," said Peter Carr, director of the STD and HIV Section, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). "It is also a time to call attention to the number of people who are being affected and infected here and around the globe." Health officials report that more than 6,800 people worldwide are infected with HIV every day, and roughly 33.2 million people are estimated to be living with HIV or AIDS around the globe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 56,300 new HIV cases

occurred in 2006 and that 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV in the U.S. Since 1982, 8,504 people in Minnesota have been diagnosed with HIV infection, and 2,912 of them have died. Currently, an estimated 5,950 people are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota, including those who moved to Minnesota after they were diagnosed in other states. MDH received a new reported HIV case every 27 hours in 2007 and averaged about 300 new annual HIV infections over the past five years. "We continue to see higher infection rates among our communities of color when compared to whites," said Carr. "Statewide rates for African Americans and Latinos were nearly 13 and 8 times greater, respectively, than whites. Rates for African communities were over 28 times greater than for whites." Health officials noted that higher rates among communities of color may be due to low testing rates among these communities. Without being tested, infected persons may have unknowingly infected others and may have missed years of beneficial treatments. MDH data show that about one in three persons diagnosed in 2007 were considered "late testers" indicating that they already had AIDS or developed AIDS within a year after being tested. An AIDS diagnosis usually occurs after being infected with HIV for five to ten years. Lower testing rates may be due to cultural and language barriers, social stigmas and limited access to health resources and care. "The main message we want to send to all communities in Minnesota is to always practice safer sex and to get tested early if you place yourself at risk so you can get the full benefits of early detection and treatment," said Carr. To help provide education and awareness, a variety of events, trainings, exhibits and HIV testing opportunities are planned in Minnesota during December in observance of World AIDS Day. The MDH Web site offers a calendar of events with important information about HIV/AIDS. Visit the Web site at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/ diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/index.html. World AIDS Day has been held annually since 1988 under the sponsorship of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and recently through the organization, World AIDS Campaign.

Gold Age Magazine

Role Reversal By: Amy Labbe Photo from the MDA ALS Caregiver’s Guide.

In Sandstone, Minn., Alea, 16, and Alexandra, 13, have added “caregiver” to the long list of roles they assume in life, including daughter, sister, friend, teenager and student. The girls’ father, William Anderson, learned he had ALS on March 26, one day after his 49th birthday.

recently received her learner’s permit, drives Anderson to appointments. Alea says it’s hard helping someone she thought would never need help, but she’s happy to do it. It takes “a lot of strength,” she adds, but she’s proud that she and Alex are able to handle it. Alex says it may sound like a cliché, but helping her dad is “rewarding.” “It gives me a sense of security to know he’s OK and to be able to see him,” she says. “I know he gets better care with me and Alea, the people who know him best, than he would in any nursing home, or with another relative. I’m learning so much about life and myself in the process of helping my dad.” Both say it’s difficult watching their father decline, but cite a long list of positives to the caregiving experience.

Emily Tuttle helps her mom, Tamara, apply makeup. The Tuttles were featured recently in the new MDA ALS Caregiver’s Guide

Alex notes caring for her dad has taught her “not to be selfish,” and to “value time, value life and care about others.” She says it’s taught her to be strong and to always look for the bright side of things, and that “relying on other people sometimes is OK when you can’t get through something by yourself.”

To date, Anderson’s symptoms include weakness and lack of coordination in his hands, arms, shoulders, chest and back. He retired from his job as a corrections officer with the state of Minnesota due to the progression of his symptoms, but still serves as a volunteer with, and president of, the Pine County Sheriff’s Department, planning meetings and events. He uses braces to preserve strength in his wrists, but even so has trouble managing forks and spoons, getting dressed, handling tools such as hammers and wrenches, cooking and folding clothes.

Alea explains that she’s learned “to take advantage” of what she has, because she knows she might lose it. She says she’s grateful for the people in her life, more forgiving than she used to be, and has learned to think “more about the good things than the bad.”

Anderson knows eventually he’ll require the help of a professional caregiver and perhaps even the services of an assisted living facility, but for now caregiving duties have fallen to his daughters (Anderson was divorced from Alea’s mother in 1993 and separated from Alex’s mom in February). It’s a responsibility the two teenagers take on gladly.

The two also have outlets for downtime. Alea plays softball, listens to music or seeks the companionship of friends, while Alex sings in a choir, helps out with theatrical productions at school and seeks out “quiet places,” such as a quarry nearby, where she goes to think.

Both see a therapist when they need someone to talk with outside of the family, and both rely on family and friends for support as well, but they admit they find the most strength in each other.

’I’m learning so much’

Both girls have plans for the future that include attending college.

Anderson’s daughters help out by doing the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and whatever else needs doing. Alea, who

The hardest thing, they both say, will be telling their dad when caregiving becomes too much to handle.

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continued on page 19

continued from page 18 “I never want to tell him that,” Alex says. “But I know it will happen.” Alea echoes her sister’s thoughts. “I know it has to happen at some time, but I really don’t want it to,” she says. “It will be very hard, but I know if we tell him he will love us just the same. He just wants us to be happy, no matter where we are. If we leave or stay, his love for us will never change.”

that kids shouldn’t be pressured into doing more than they’re able to handle or allowed to “slip into acting like an adult.” He urges parents to hire home health aides or arrange for professional care before the situation gets to the point where children become “too involved.”

’They know they have a choice’

“You’re looking for a balance,” agrees psychologist Barry Jacobs, director of Behavioral Sciences for the Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, Pa., who wrote “The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers” (2006, Guilford Press).

Anderson recognizes the difficulties and challenges the added responsibilities of caregiving present his daughters.

“The challenge is to give kids a meaningful role, but not to give them one that overwhelms them or takes them away from ageappropriate activities,” he notes.

“I do everything in my power,” he says, to help the girls be children and “not force them to grow up too fast.” That includes making sure they do things together as a family, like taking walks or drives, or going to the movies or video arcade. Anderson encourages Alea and Alex to make time for themselves as well, to visit friends or host sleepovers and movie nights for their friends at home. He also stresses open communication and makes sure the girls know they can come to him with problems, to tell him they need a break, or to tell him when the time comes that they can’t handle caregiving any longer. “I still watch them for signs of being tired, sadness, hopelessness, wanting to be alone, school grades falling, or just being sad,” Anderson says. “It’s always on my mind that it’s not all about me — they come first.” Anderson has made the faculty at the girls’ school aware of their situation so that teachers and counselors can help watch for any signs of trouble. Although no formal arrangements have been made, Anderson, the girls and their extended family members agree that if/when their father’s care becomes more than the girls can handle, they will move back with their mothers “with the complete understanding that they did a great job helping their dad.” Most importantly, Anderson says, the girls know “they have a choice in this matter.” They choose to do it “because they love me and care about every minute we share together. This is a learning tool for all of us in life — it will help them grow and teach them of all that surrounds them, good and bad.”

’Caregiver’ shouldn’t replace ‘carefree’

Jacobs has seen children gain a real sense of appreciation for family members by being able to contribute in some way, but notes that “striking the right balance is a difficult thing.” He warns that parents must ensure children don’t become overwhelmed by caregiving duties, as it can lead to a feeling of having “lost their childhood.” Boys and Jacobs say warning signs that may indicate a child or teen is having a hard time handling caregiving duties include: • irritability and a decreased tolerance for frustration in

younger kids;

• a tendency to withdraw or display depression or anxiety in

older children; and

• moodiness, sleep problems, nightmares and a general

resistance to performing caregiving tasks.

The amount of responsibility a child can handle, says Jacobs, "is dependent on the particular child's personality." Parents can help their children enjoy childhood by making sure they have the opportunity to indulge in their hobbies and interests, and that they have a place they can go to find support when they need it. They also should make sure there’s time for all the things that go along with being a kid, such as extracurricular sports and activities, friends and TV. Parents might consider asking adult friends and extended family members to do things with their children, such as attending sports practices or games, when they can't be there. Although the possibility exists that children will become overwhelmed, Boys says many kids have indicated they appreciate the responsibilities they learn through caregiving, as well as the opportunity to contribute to their parents and families.

Christopher Boys, a pediatric neuropsychologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Minnesota Medical School, says it’s helpful for families affected by ALS to approach the situation as a “family change,” where everyone has to work together as a team, “change and chip in.”

As the Anderson family has learned, when the right balance is attained, caregiving can be a positive experience for all involved.

Boys notes that age-appropriate tasks (typically focused more on housework than on personal care) help children and teens become involved and feel a part of what’s going on, but cautions

For booklets created for teens and children coping with a parent’s ALS, visit the ALS Society of Canada at www.als.ca/ als411/.

Editorial copy from: MDA/ALS Newsmagazine, NovemberDecember 2008. Used by permission.

Gold Age Magazine

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Is an ALD (Assistive Listening Device) Right For You? By: Lori Foss

f you or a family member has a hearing loss, you know that it can be more than a minor annoyance. The continual repetition of conversation is a frustration that can eventually cause a person with hearing loss to be isolated from friends and family. One solution to this problem is to use an Assistive Listening Device (ALD). An Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is a general term for a device such as an amplified telephone, infrared system, FM system, personal amplification system, or loud clock--- that helps those with a hearing loss. An ALD may be used to assist those who don’t have hearing aids or for those who have found their hearing aid isn’t enough. A very common ALD is an amplified telephone. An amplified telephone has many of the same features as a standard telephone and come in a range of styles. The big difference is there are adjustments for tone as well as volume. A tone control will allow clearer listening while the volume adjustment will only increase the sound level. Amplified telephones are

Gold Age Magazine

available in decibel ranges from 18 – 60dB for mild to severe hearing losses. These phones are readily available from many distributors. Major manufacturers include Clarity®, Williams Sound®, GE, ClearSounds®, and Geemarc. When a family member has a hearing loss, finding the right volume on the TV can be a problem. If the TV is adjusted to accommodate a hard-of-hearing person, it often will be too loud for the hearing person. A TV listening system is a solution. These infrared devices consist of a transmitter that is plugged into the back of your TV set and a headset that can be adjusted to the hearing level needed. With volume and tone adjustments on the headset, the hard-of-hearing person can make adjustments as needed without disturbing the rest of the family. Another device for the home is an alarm clock with loud alarm or bedshaker. The loud alarm has decibels up to 98dB and will wake the heaviest of sleepers. Or, connect a bedshaker to the alarm clock. The bedshaker is put under the pillow and vibrates or “shakes” to wake you up. Many clocks will also connect to a lamp that will flash when the alarm goes off. continued on page 21

Is an ALD continued from page 20 A device that can be carried with you to help you hear in small group settings is a personal amplifier. These devices are portable transmitters which pick up sounds through a microphone and transmits them to a headset. (For people who have a hearing loss but refuse to wear a hearing aid, a personal amplifier has some very practical applications. Healthcare providers should have these devices available for patients who may have difficulty understanding important healthcare instructions.) Finally, one device that should not be forgotten is the smoke and carbon dioxide detector. A loud alarm with a strobe light may be necessary to wake those who have a hearing loss or have taken out their hearing aids at night. Sometimes an ALD is the first step to deciding something has to be done with your hearing. The ALD is not meant to replace a hearing aid but can make everyday tasks a lot easier. Try out some of the ALDs available and find out what works for you. You will be amazed at what you have been missing.

For more information please contact: Harris Communications www.harriscomm.com

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continued from page 11 Note: Make sure that the phone and the door bell can be heard by the elder. Turning the phone ringer volume up might be one easy fix, or purchase new phones, new doorbell, or special equipment for hearing impaired.

Bathroom: No glass shower doors; strong grab bars in shower/bath and near toilet; water temperature below scalding (lower than 120 degrees); access to telephone or emergency response system; non-skid floor surface in tub/shower; shower bench or seat with hand-held shower; nightlight; towel bars and cabinets at a height that is easily accessible.

Bedroom: No bed lower than the back-of-the-knees-height; chair with armrests and firm seat to reduce falls while dressing; nightlight; flashlight on bed stand or by bed; no sharp objects on corners or pathways; light switch easy to use by bed.

Kitchen: Doorway wide enough to pass through while carrying bags or boxes; no wax or other surface making floor slippery; all appliances need “on” indicators; no flammables near heat sources; easy to reach and use fire extinguisher; most frequently used items stored between eye and knee level; appliances in good working condition; racks for dishtowels or other cloth

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away from stove and at right height; no electrical cords near stove or sink.

Medications: All medicines need to be stored in the original containers that they came in and clearly marked. Taking the time to make a checklist and write down things that need repair or alteration should be helpful. The goal is to go through this list with your loved one or the elder so they become engaged in the idea of maintaining home safety. Taking preventative steps with home safety will eliminate an accident that could result in an elder losing their autonomy and quality of life. For more information please contact Joan Aasve @ www.eldercarerights.org

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