Senior Life Expo 2022

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

YOU KNOW?

IN-HOME CARE GIVERS

The Gazette’s Senior Life Expo:

By Nina Glaser, The Gazette

Senior Life Expo is back, with a lot to offer … in-person

The Gazette and experts

the health, financial planning, home and technical arenas at the Senior Life Expo on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. –2 p.m. at The Broadmoor World Arena at 3185 Venetucci Blvd. The free event — with free parking and entertainment — will feature the latest products, services and information to help men and women 50 years and over make the most of their life and lifestyle.

Attendees will enjoy presentations, demonstrations and speaker sessions … and this year they will be presented “up close and personal!”

Attendees will have the opportunity to win a $250 King Soopers gift card, too! (Sometimes the best things in life are free!)

We look forward to welcoming you! Visit seniorlifeexpocs.com/ registration to register today! 

October

OF SPEAKERS

SESSION TIME ROOM ONE PENROSE CLUB ROOM

9:00 a.m.

Amada Senior Care

“Long-Term Care Insurance: How to Make it Work for You”

ROOM 2 PENROSE CLUB –THE PETER SUSEMIHL ROOM

ROOM 3 EXHIBIT FLOOR SPEAKER ROOM

9:45 a.m.

Bingo Reverse Mortgage

“Your Untapped Asset”

Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence “Do You Suffer From Neck or Back Pain?”

Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care “We Honor Veterans”

C2 Financial

10:30 a.m.

Amada Senior Care “Long-Term Care Insurance: How to Make it Work for You”

United HealthCare “Medicare Made Clear”

“How Unlocking Your Home Equity can Help you Live the Life You’ve Dreamed of & Worked for in Retirement”

11:15 a.m.

AAA Colorado “Rail Travel by Rocky Mountaineer”

Hammond Law “The Essentials of Life Care Planning”

Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence

“Do You Suffer From Neck or Back Pain?”

RE/MAX Reverse Mortgage Funding

“You’re not Stuck in Your Home – Discover Today’s Reverse Mortgage for Purchase”

Iron Mountain Financial “Making the Most of Your Social Security Benefits”

12:00 p.m.

North End Dental “Dental Implant Presentation”

Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group

12:45 p.m.

“Addressing Neck and Back Pain”

Gasper Law “Preserving and Protecting Your Estate for Your Family”

Stellar Senior Living

“Understanding the Different Levels of Senior Living”

Colorado Burial Preserve “Planning an Eco-Friendly Funeral”

Medicare Mentors

“Trust Medicare Mentors to Guide Your Healthcare Experience”

1:30 p.m.

Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group “Advancements in Joint Replacement Surgery”

Next Day Access

“What Does ‘Aging in Place’ Really Mean?”

UC Health

“Supporting Your Back-Spine Health”

Aetna Medicare Solutions helps people lead healthier lives

Health insurance is a serious business, but we have a fun fact to share: the name Aetna was inspired by Mt. Etna, the 11,000foot volcano on the eastern shores of Sicily! Perhaps the impetus was the thing these two entities had in common: Activity! True to this noun, the company has been in a constant state of transformation.

A look back at Aetna history shows company incorporation in 1853. Aetna was one of the first stock insurance companies to enter the health insurance business (in 1891), offering the product to people who held or purchased an Aetna life or accident policy. It was also one of the first insurers to write group coverage for businesses (in 1913), which became the foundation upon which Atena’s current health care business was built.

The first Medicare claim was paid by Aetna in 1966. Today, the company’s Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as

Original Medicare and more — some also include coverage for prescription drugs, routine dental care, vision, wellness

Most families are on a collision course with a care crisis and don’t even know it. A care crisis happens when your loved ones are confronted by the realities of trying to age in place. Who is going to help Mom get to the grocery now that Dad can’t drive? This combination of chronic illness, disability and short-term healthcare needs could wreck your retirement plans. With Life Care Planning your loved ones avoid the emergency.

programs and a 24/7 nurse hotline. Participants receive help in healthcare decision-making and healthcare spending, too.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans take a total approach to health, with something for everyone. There are HMO plans, PPO plans, Dual Special Needs plans and more! Extra benefits for Coloradans on Medicare can total up to $4,540 for a PPO Medicare Advantage

Prescription Drug Plan, up to $5,170 for a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan, up to $6,880 for a Medicare Advantage Only PPO, and up to $8,350 for a Dual Special Needs plan annually!

Find out about the new plans coming to market for 2023 at aetnamedicare.com or call 855-335-1407 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. 

Every Life Care Plan is designed to achieve three primary objectives:

• Make sure you and your loved ones get the care they deserve, whether at home or in a residential facility, to maintain the quality of life they want.

• Help you identify public and private sources of payment to help you pay for the high cost of long-term care.

Offer safety and security by arranging proper care as you age while preserving family resources.

Trusted for 17 years to help you find the right care, at the right time, for the right price.

Local musicians calm minds, joining melodies and memories

By Nina Glaser, The Gazette

Oasis, a Colorado Springs-based guitar and percussion-based vocal group provides musical enrichment for residents of independent and assisted living communities, and skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care facilities.

The 14-member band, together for 15 years, play a mixture of nostalgic, popular and sacred musical selections from the 1930s through the 1970s.

“Our group finds it so rewarding to be part of a dynamic music ministry that has such a positive impact on the lives of the people in the community that we play for,” said Oasis band founder Steven Powell. “There’s

absolutely no question about it: Music makes a difference to our audiences; you can see it on their faces and in their body language as they clap and tap with the tune and join in singing and even dancing sometimes.”

Music is often a lifeline for seniors, reaching even those who are quiet, reserved, and/or withdrawn to provide a much-needed lift of their spirits. The band has seen — firsthand — how music engages hearts and minds, transporting older

audience members to happier times in their lives. For an hour or two, they can be swept away by a flood of joyful memories.

The bottom line: Oasis provides musical refreshment for the soul. 

Optum doctor + Medicare Advantage You get better care with us

We know the difference that quality health care makes in your life. Not just physically, but mentally and socially, too. Your health always comes first. That’s why we work hard to keep you healthy, not just care for you when you’re sick. We offer a wide range of services besides primary care. Whatever your needs, we’ll make sure you get the care you need, when you need it.

A team devoted to you

Optum doctors are supported by a care team of specialists, nurses, care managers, pharmacists and more. Our team helps make sure you get the care you need with things like:

• Scheduling appointments

• Help finding specialist care

• Fill and manage your medicines

• Finding you a ride to your visit, and much more

More care with Medicare Advantage

Are you making the most of your Medicare options? Take a look at everything offered to help you be a healthier you.

Keep saving with Medicare Advantage

Many plans have $0 premiums and cover more care designed to keep you healthy, like:

• $0 Annual Wellness Visit

• $0 doctor visits

• $0 prescription drugs

• $0 health screenings and vaccines

• Extras like vision, dental and hearing

Did you know Medicare Advantage can save you 30 – 40% on health care costs?1

More than just care

With your Medicare Advantage plan, you may also get:

• No-cost rides to care visits

• Health care when traveling

• Meal delivery

• Gym memberships

• Health and wellness tools

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 through December 7.

Optum accepts Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Bright Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

Talk to a Medicare expert* any time at 719-4377577 or visit optum.com/2023AEP.

1: According to UHG Medicare Advantage Cost Savings Report 2020

*A licensed insurance agent. Optum representatives connect Medicare beneficiaries with resources including licensed insurance agents that sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Discrimination Policy: This company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us. This includes letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 1-833-964-2267, TTY 711.

Optum® and OptumCare® are trademarks of Optum, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer.

© 2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your source for the world’s most comfortable chairs

SUPPORT YOUR NECK, ALIGN YOUR BODY

Scandanavian-designed and endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, our Stressless chairs give you patented support and comfort with all models available in three sizes to custom-fit your body — from head to toe. They will move backwards and forwards, and swivel from side to side. Check out high backs, low backs, power models, chairs with and without arms, and others with ottomans or footrests and more.

Take a seat; see and feel why Stressless chairs are famous the world over for comfort!

LIFT CHAIRS THAT MEET YOUR ELEVATED EXPECTATIONS

UltraComfort, a family-owned

and operated medical device company brings their Americanmade quality and craftsmanship home with superior functionality, innovative designs and highend fabrics. The patented mechanism gives you ultracomfort! Designed for those with mobility challenges, these “best seats in the house” help users sit and stand faster, providing both physical and emotional benefits.

Visit a professional at American Furniture Galleries, 3212 East Platte Ave., to find the chairs built for you! We are open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Call us at 719-632-6621 or visit us at AmericanFurniture.com. 

Live your best retirement!

When you think of “senior living,” what comes to mind? Award-winning dining options? Annual golf tournaments? Chau eur service? What about your own personal concierge, educational lectures, ge ing involved in your local community, or se ing tness goals? at’s probably not what you think of – unless you are thinking of MacKenzie Place  –Colorado Springs.

MacKenzie Place is the premier senior living community in Colorado Springs, o ering co ages, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. e proud, consistent recipient of the best retirement community in the Gaze e’s Best of the Springs, MacKenzie Place empowers residents to continue living the life they love while receiving the care services they need.

Moving to MacKenzie Place does not mean sacri cing independence, privacy, or your active lifestyle. Your retirement is yours to design. With well-trained

caregivers, a dedicated support sta , and amenities that rival most ve-star resorts, MacKenzie Place o ers a dynamic activity calendar that makes retirement feel more like a resort vacation.

The community features restaurant-style dining with award-winning food. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities that meet diverse interests and needs. e activities include

everything from tness classes, outings, educational lectures, movies, and special groups like ping pong, poker, discussion groups, book club, and more.

MacKenzie Place is also proud to o er its signature PrimeFit Wellness program, a tness program that really makes tness fun! Residents participate in group tness classes, water classes, and personal training sessions to maintain and increase health and wellness.

Combine all of that with weekly housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, a salon, library, maintenance services, and even a concierge, living at MacKenzie Place is more like a resort vacation than typical retirement.

Interested in learning more? Give them a call at (719) 280-2021 to learn how senior living at MacKenzie Place can help you live your best retirement!

3

Tips to maintain brain health

Many people are fearful of developing Alzheimer’s disease, especially those with a family history of the condition. Researchers are investigating innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, but no cure exists right now.

There are steps people can take, however, to help maintain and support their brain health. These activities often help with physical and emotional health and are generally positive habits to foster, especially as people age. In fact, a report from “The Lancet” found the risk of dementia is lower among people who adhere to these healthy habits:

GET PHYSICAL

According to Harvard Medical School, exercise keeps the brain healthy by helping release chemicals that support the development of new nerve cells and connections between brain

cells. Exercise also improves mental health, blood pressure and the regulation of blood sugar, all of which can impact the development of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Staying physically active can become more difficult if someone’s health declines, but doctors and other medical providers can share ways to maintain physical activity even if mobility is limited.

KEEP YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE Engaging in mentally stimulating activities may help keep the brain fit and potentially stave off dementia or other types of cognitive decline. For example, people who have cognitively demanding jobs (like accountants or math teachers) or who engage in cognitively stimulating activities (like learning a second language or how to play a musical instrument) may be at lower risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia, according to Harvard

Medical School. Activities like these and more can also decrease feelings of depression, isolation and loneliness, which occur more frequently as people age and are also associated with an increased risk for developing dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging.

TRACK YOUR BRAIN HEALTH AND GET HELP EARLY

One way to detect changes in brain health is to track memory and other thinking skill performance over time. Detecting changes in memory is critical to slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, which can begin 15-20 years before the onset of obvious symptoms. Some changes in mood or memory that may raise red flags are often noticed by other people, not by the individual experiencing the changes, making it important for older adults who live alone or who do not have large social circles to track their own brain health.

One option for tracking brain health is the Alzheimer Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy, funded by the National Institutes of Health, which monitors an individual’s brain health through regular online memory testing that can be completed anywhere, any time from a computer, laptop or tablet. Participants take no-cost, online memory tests quarterly that are automatically shared with researchers who track results over time. If changes in memory are detected, and a participant is close enough to a study site, he or she may be invited to an in-person evaluation and, if appropriate, given the option to join an Alzheimer’s clinical trial.

While researchers are working to advance treatments and find a cure for Alzheimer’s, it is important that people practice healthy brain habits and monitor their brain health as they age to detect any changes in memory as early as possible. Without a cure, taking preventive measures and

maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best defenses against the disease.

Find more information about APT at aptwebstudy.org.

ALZHEIMER’S FACTS

 More than 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 Black adults are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than white adults, according to the National Institute on Aging.

 Hispanic or Latino adults are 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than white adults, according to the Alzheimer’s Association

 According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors die with dementia.

Benefits

much more than towing...

and

How technology can help you age in place

By 2030, almost a quarter of the American population will be over the age of 65, up from 16% in 2020, creating a situation that is going to drive greater demand and greater pressure on the care industry. In addition to a larger workforce and more financial resources, new technologies also have the potential to help solve the problems created by this seismic demographic shift.

According to experts, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are already among the key components of new technologies providing improved quality of life for those who want to continue living independently at home.

“While AI and ML have transformed other industries,

adaptation has been slow in the care industry, but we’re working to change that,” said LogicMark Chief Executive Officer Chia-Lin Simmons, which manufactures personal emergency response systems, health communications devices and remote care and activity monitoring technologies to create a Connected Care Platform, and recently incorporated two-way voice communication technology into its medical alert pendant.

To help you live safely and comfortably in your home in the years to come, Simmons offers a few strategies for using the newest technology to your advantage:

 PERS, also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems, allow you to call for help in an emergency by pushing a

button. Wearable pendants — along with water-resistant wallmounted devices and mobile solutions — can keep you protected in every room of your home by helping you instantly connect with loved ones and emergency personnel. Those offered by LogicMark use AI and ML for pattern recognition and fall detection, for an added layer of security. To learn more, visit logicmark.com.  Automatic pill dispensers can help ensure you never miss a dose or take too much medication. Depending on your needs, you may need to look for a solution offering both visual and audio notifications, or one suited for those with limited dexterity.

 Motion-sensing lighting can make nocturnal trips to the bathroom — common in one’s golden years — much safer, helping to reduce the risk of dangerous trips and falls. Many options plug directly into outlets, while others are batteryoperated. Be sure to include these fixtures in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

“True independence must be accompanied by peace of mind for you, your family and your caregivers,” said Simmons. “By adopting new technologies, you can help create a virtual safety net, enabling you to stay at home while living in a safe environment and providing peace of mind to your loved ones.” 

The importance of intentional design

Not all senior living communities are designed equally. Some focus on getting the maximum number of units possible in their design, Melody Living focuses on intentional design that encourages the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (emotional, physical, environmental, social, occupational, intellectual, spiritual and financial).

The benefit of a community built with this philosophy is that the design is not an afterthought. Intentional design ensures residents have access to comfortable living spaces, luxurious amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere that was created for them.

Mobility can be a concern as we age; therefore, our hallways are short but wide for accessible-

use, and elevators and stairs are located a few seconds away from key common areas. Outdoor spaces are also an important element. Consider whether the sidewalks are smooth and paved in a way

that is safe for residents using a wheelchair or walker, or who may have limited mobility. Also, look for ample seating and environmental features like landscaping and décor such as trees, patio umbrellas, and

flowers that create a sense of peace and comfort.

Internally, the layout of the community is important. Be on the lookout for where places like the main dining room are located. Is this space positioned in an area that is comfortable and away from the front entrance in an exclusive restaurant-style dining space, or are residents dining near the constantly opening and closing lobby doors?

It is important for seniors to continue to thrive in their living environment, whether that is inplace or enjoying an independent living, assisted living or memory care community. Melody Living offers residents a safe and welcoming atmosphere to call home. 

Creating exceptional patient experiences

having hearing screenings earlier is important.

DEPRESSION

DEMENTIA

connection

hearing loss and

a Johns Hopkins study of older adults found that hearing loss actually accelerates brain function decline. Experts

that treating your hearing loss through hearing aids

DIABETES

Studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Those 60 years and younger are at greater risk, so

Research shows that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults of all ages, and the use of hearing aids reduces depressive symptoms.

BALANCE

A Johns Hopkins study showed that middle-aged people (40to 69-years-old) with even just mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have a fall history.

HIGHER COGNITIVE LOAD

Having untreated hearing loss creates a higher cognitive load.

That means more stress, more fatigue and more frustration throughout the day. Treating your hearing loss mitigates all of these!

Dr. Kovel and Dr. Michaelson, Doctors of Audiology at Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs, use cutting-edge hearing technology combined with customized treatment plans that fit an

individual’s lifestyle and budget. We improve lives through better hearing and tinnitus management because we know how important it is to your life and your health. Visit 4195 Centennial Blvd. or elitehearingofcoloradosprings.com or call 719-633-2685. 

Here, retirement is a verb.

Look up “retirement” in any dictionary and it says it’s a noun. It also says it’s when you “withdraw from an active life.” Obviously they didn’t stop by MacKenzie Place when they wrote such nonsense. Here retirement is proudly a verb for when you “live life with gusto”! Come see what we mean. Call (719) 280-2021 to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. And bring your dictionary and a pen. It’s time to do a little editing.

Thank you to all of our sponsors.

PREMIER SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

You will feel like you hit the jackpot!

Meet our clients Ron and Marie, and learn what they have to say about us:

Working with Bingo Reverse Mortgage allowed us to have a solid future. We live on a fixed income and our expenses have been going up, up, and up with the cost of gas and inflation.

When you’re on a fixed income, social security doesn’t go up very much, if at all, but the cost of living does! When I started looking at that, I knew that in five years we would have to sell our home.

That’s when we called Bingo Reverse Mortgage.

Bingo Reverse Mortgage answered all our questions and came to our home. They were so helpful and held our hand through the entire process. They made us feel safe.

Bingo Reverse Mortgage is a local reverse mortgage expert helping save seniors retirement.

A reverse mortgage is a great tool that offers homeowners 55 years of age peace of mind with:

No monthly mortgage payment

Money in the bank

Tax-free cash

A reverse mortgage helps you stay in your home, boost your retirement income, and have the financial freedom you may have only dreamed about.

Take our free online assessment at BingoReverseMortgage.com and, rest assured, your information is safe and secure at Bingo.

Call us at 720-541-5545 to learn how you can make your financial dreams a reality with a reverse mortgage.

WATCH OUR FULL STORY HERE:

Ron and Marie

Compassionate caregiving for seniors and their families

If you are looking for personal care with a personal touch, look no further than Amada Senior Care!

We have a well-earned reputation for superior senior care in Monument, Castle Rock, Stratmoor, Cimarron Hills, Gleneagles, Black Forest, Highlands Ranch and other local area neighborhoods. What sets us apart is our support and encouragement not just our clients, but also their loved ones … because individuals and their families are on the journey together.

Amada Senior Care caregivers help our clients age with dignity, while providing their family members with peace of mind. Our compassionate caregivers have had terrific training (including those who have received special instruction in assisting those with Alzheimer’s disease, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia and Parkinson’s disease). They provide in-home help with the activities of daily living — walking, feeding, dressing and grooming, toileting, bathing,

and transitioning — plus they will run errands and go shopping, provide medicine reminders, do light housekeeping and provide many non-medical assistance services. Best of all, they will keep your beloved senior happy and fulfilled, enriching his or her life with a meaningful relationship.

Caregivers are monitored, and Amada Senior Care will check in on a regular basis to hear feedback from clients and their families.

We are also happy to be part of the transition process to a

new location when clients need more assistance than in-home care can provide. Families can consider us a guide to the new community that best suits their needs and preferences.

Additionally, we are Long-Term Care Insurance claims experts who can help with policy review, benefit verification, claims processing and submission, and LTCI advocacy and monitoring.

Call us at 719-377-9121 or visit amadaseniorcare.com to for your Free Needs Assessment today!

Married 62 years, Bud Warner, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife, Emily, have raised three sons and traveled the world, across Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico and the mountains of Colorado.

Leading up to his 82nd birthday in the spring of 2017, Bud had a cough and felt weak, dizzy and nauseous—he wasn’t sure what was going on.

“On his birthday, we went out to dinner with good friends. Bud ordered his favorite, Fat Tire beer, and he was sitting there and only drank half of it,” Emily said. “We were all there looking at him and afterwards, our friends asked if he was OK.”

When Bud went to see a cardiologist, echocardiograms showed that his mitral valve was deteriorating.

at its best, we offer continuum care

Senior

Palisades Park View Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Phone: (719) 226-2273

CCOE’s orthopedic experts deliver world-class care to patients of all ages and activity levels. Now with three locations to serve you, we’re making it easier than ever to get the care you need to get moving again. From sports medicine to physical therapy, non-surgical solutions, and complex orthopedic reconstruction, our team has you covered.

623-1050 CCOE.US

Bud Warner Heart Valve Disease

Heart-valve disease occurs when a heart valve narrows, blocking blood flow from the heart to the body, or a valve leaks because it does not close tightly. Eventually, valve disease limits how much blood the heart can pump. Left untreated, the risk of hospitalization and death increases.

Bud had to have surgery to replace his mitral valve

as well as his pulmonary valve, which had developed an infection. In just four hours, with new heart valves, he was on the mend.

Now, Bud and Emily walk two to three miles most days and, occasionally, Bud still enjoys a Fat Tire.

Resources for selecting a provider

Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you are just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, must find a new doctor or get home health care.

Using online tools like “Find Care Providers” on medicare.gov can make it easier to make comparisons and help choose doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and more for you or the person you are helping provide care to.

Consider these benefits of using the comparison tools to narrow your options.

RESOURCE FOR RESEARCH

The website provides a simple search and compare experience that allows you to find providers near you. Simply put in a ZIP code and the type of provider to receive a list of providers, their contact information and a map of locations. The information even includes “star ratings” and services provided. The tool can be used to find all sorts of providers, including doctors, hospitals, home health care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation providers, hospice and dialysis facilities.

nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Contact information for local inpatient rehabilitation facilities or long-term care hospitals is available, as well as hospice quality care ratings and specific care details, such as which dialysis facilities offer home dialysis training.

FINDING HEALTH CARE SERVICES

near you using the Medicare.gov tool, pinpointing which category of services you need, whether it is doctors and clinicians, hospitals, hospice and home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers or nursing homes.

In addition to searching by your location using your address or a combination of city, state or ZIP code, you can search by provider type and keyword to generate a list of providers that could fit your needs.

FINDING A DOCTOR WHO FITS

Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see how patients rate their care experiences at the hospitals in your area and find home health agencies that offer the services you might need, like

Many factors influence who you trust with your health care. In some cases, family, caregivers or friends may offer referrals to a doctor or medical facility based on their own experiences, and that can be a helpful guide.

Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can compare health care providers

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

When you are looking for a new doctor and not sure where to start, the tool makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations,

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

Humana can help you

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Humana can help y choose a Medicare

choose a Medicare plan

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana plans at attractive premiums.

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Humana MarketPoint® Office 719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Humana MarketPoint® Office 719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Humana MarketPoint® Office 719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana MarketPoint® Office

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana MarketPoint® Office

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

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Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan contract renewal.

hospital affiliation

time

the office is

whether you need a referral to be treated.

COMPARING NURSING HOMES

Whether you are planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there is a lot to think about when choosing a nursing home for you or someone else.

The Kaiser Permanente Difference

Karen Radcliffe

Permanente Medicare specialist

Many family members and caregivers prioritize location so they can check in and visit frequently, but there are many other important factors you may want to consider, too. Medicare.gov has a comparison tool that provides filtering options which allow you to personalize your results by sifting through the criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results, number of beds, staffing data and more.

You will be able to check out the nursing home’s overall “star ratings.” The information can serve as a guide to a provider’s track record to help assist you with finding a home that best suits the person’s needs.

Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to access the tool and find health care providers and services in your area that fit your needs.

Prevent missing out on fall activities: Get your flu vaccine today

Heavier jackets are out. Leaves are changing. Noses are running.

Each of these signals the arrival of another season — some call it autumn, others call it flu season.

During this time of year, it is important to arm yourself with information on how you can help protect yourself from the flu. This may be especially important this fall, with COVID-19 variants still prevalent in some communities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a decline in flu hospitalizations and deaths last season, citing masking and social distancing as likely contributions. However, reduced COVID-19 restrictions may result in increased influenza activity.

Getting a flu vaccine may be the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones — and can help keep you from missing important events, such as fall activities, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

If you are unsure if a flu vaccine is right for you, you are not alone. There can be a lot of confusion out there surrounding vaccines.

To help, here are five common flu vaccine myths — and the facts behind them.

MYTH 1: YOU CAN GET THE FLU FROM THE FLU VACCINE.

Every year, some people choose not to get a seasonal flu vaccine because they have heard you can get the flu from the vaccine. However, that is not true. In fact, doctors strongly recommend getting the flu vaccine because it is the best way to help protect yourself from the flu. The flu vaccine has a good safety record, it does not cause serious side effects and may even help reduce the seriousness of your symptoms if you do get the flu.

MYTH 2: THE FLU VACCINE IS NOT SAFE FOR OLDER ADULTS.

The flu vaccine is safe, simple and a smart choice — no matter your age. In fact, the flu vaccine is especially important if you are age 65 or older because older adults are at higher risk for

serious flu complications, which could result in a hospital stay.

MYTH 3: THE FLU VACCINE CAUSES STRONG SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects from the flu vaccine are typically mild, if any happen at all. The most common side effects are soreness, redness or tenderness where the shot was given. A low-grade fever, headache or muscle aches may occur but usually only last a day or two. The flu vaccine also does not interact with other medications, so you do not have to worry about changing your medication routine.

MYTH 4: I GOT A FLU VACCINE LAST YEAR, SO I AM FINE FOR THIS YEAR.

Even if you received a flu shot last year, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for optimal protection, due to the fact that a person’s immunity from vaccination declines with time. Also, the flu viruses are constantly changing so the vaccine is updated each year, as needed.

MYTH 5: I GOT THE COVID-19 VACCINE, OR A BOOSTER, SO I CANNOT GET THE FLU VACCINE.

The two vaccines are very different and protect you from different viruses. There are no interactions between the two vaccines. Both are recommended by the CDC to help maintain optimal health and you can save a trip by getting both vaccines at the same time.

Whether you are enrolled in Original Medicare or have a Medicare Advantage plan, your flu vaccine is covered at no additional cost. So do not wait — visit your doctor’s office or a participating pharmacy and get your flu vaccine today. Do not miss out on fall activities, being with your trick-or-treaters or sharing Thanksgiving with the important people in your life!

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical provider.

We create beautiful smiles

We are delighted to welcome you to North End Dental, our Colorado Springs dental office located across the street from Steele Elementary School.

We provide a wide variety of dental services for our community, ranging from preventative care and general dentistry to dental implants and clear braces. At North End Dental we truly care about our patients, and when you come in you will feel that. From the first phone call to every appointment after, you will feel like family in our office.

Many people have a hard time at the dentist’s office, so we have

worked very hard to make a visit to North End Dental enjoyable, incorporating comfort items — like warming massage chairs in our hygiene areas and TVs in each treatment room — to help make the experience more pleasant. Plus, our incredible staff creates a welcoming, friendly and judgmentfree atmosphere.

Call us at 719-471-1900 to schedule an appointment; we are excited to have you come in and see what sets us apart. We are located at 1705 N. Weber St. You can also visit northendsmiles.com to learn more about our practice. 

Comfort … Quality … & Unsurpassed Value

Bud Warner

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disease

good hands at Memorial Hospital

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more at uchealth.org/cosvalve

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call 719.259.1711

Membership benefits: Much more than towing

At AAA, we pride ourselves on being a roadside assistance team that you can trust to always be there to help keep you on the go. Our roadside experts will do everything they can to get you back on the road, so you do not have to cancel your plans. Whether a flat tire, dead battery or a lockout, we have the right tools for the job. If we cannot get you back on the road, we can tow you to your mechanic or an AAA-approved auto repair location, where mechanics will do what it takes to get your car running again.

We provide:

AAA Insurance — AAA Members receive exclusive discounts on auto, home and life Insurance. Save up to 20% on auto insurance and more when you bundle auto and home.”

AAA Small Business Insurance —

If you are a small to mid-size business owner, you have likely worked hard to get where you are. Protecting your investment and future with the right business

insurance coverage is what we do best.

AAA Travel Planning — Save time and money planning your next vacation with our professional Travel Agents. Find

a great deal and get exclusive member benefits.

AAA Discounts — Save at more than 100,000 locations, including car rentals, lodging, dining, movies, sporting events and theme parks.

Easy Car-Buying — Avoid the hassle and haggle of buying a car with our car-buying service. We can also sell your old car and help with financing.

Identity Theft Monitoring — ProtectMyID Essential provides daily credit monitoring, fraud resolution support and lost wallet assistance.

Call 719-591-2222 or visit colorado.aaa.com for more information and to learn about even more benefits! 

LAW

A critical component in getting the right care during her rehab stay at a nursing home will be A Care Conference. This meeting is held at the nursing facility between the department heads, your mom and family. This Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) participating in the care conference should always consist of one member from each department: Social Services, Nursing, Dietary and Activities. They are a vital component of a rehab stay to ensure you and your mom are aware of her progress, and discharge plan. If not taken seriously by the facility, not all IDT heads may attend, leading to miscommunication, poor care, and noncompliance. Even worse, what if her Care Conference is delayed for weeks, resulting in confusion,

slowed treatment and possible loss of benefits? Often, Medicare guidelines mandate that care conferences take place within the first 7-14 days of admission to a Skilled Nursing Facility.

In most circumstances you will be unaware of how to care for your mom unless you have guidance from someone on your side who advocates for her, like an Elder Care Coordinator (ECC). Recently, one of our Life Care Planning clients was admitted to a nursing home. He was left without a Care Conference for 3 weeks, prolonging pain and wasting money. Our Elder Care Coordinator stepped in, demanded a meeting with all department heads and secured our client’s progress.

Your ECC will steer the ship of your care, providing education, advocacy, and support navigating a complex, confusing care system. You shouldn’t do it alone.

Be prepared before you lose control to the stormy seas of crisis and schedule a free life care planning consultation with the Hammond Law Group’s Elder Care Team today!

SPRINGS PHILHARMONIC

After 95 years, the Philharmonic is still thriving

FEATURE

The Colorado Springs Philharmonic is an independent symphony orchestra whose mission is to offer brilliant musical performances and in-person experiences that draw families, friends, and loved ones together. We honor the rich traditions upon which our art was founded and work tirelessly to see it continues to hold a prominent place in the future of the community. We have great reverence for what we do, and great esteem for all who love and support it — most especially the everyday enthusiast who enjoys music for its own sake.

The Philharmonic was founded in 1927. Original performances were here in downtown Colorado Springs, backdropped by the majesty of Pikes Peak and

inspired by the same pioneering spirit that exists to this very day. We relish everything our landscape represents and consider its many beauties to be the core of our identity. Today the Colorado Springs Philharmonic

is a community hub for avid fans, curious minds, thrill seekers, and simple lovers of life.

We believe that for 95 years, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has played an integral role in this community — overcoming

obstacles with resilience, continually growing artistically, and touching the lives of our audience while remaining true to our goal of achieving the highest standards of musical excellence.

We believe in the absolute power of live performance. Music is a sacred human journey shared by musicians and their listeners, and second-hand renderings, however brilliant, can never recreate the bond of give-and-take between those on stage and those in the audience. Live performances are measured in breaths and heartbeats. They are at once human and divine. They provide us an intimacy of communion unlike any other on earth, and for that reason we must do our utmost to preserve and protect them.

Your mom fell in the garden – again. Will she be taken care of in a rehabilitation facility?

Let’s see you through a healthy 2023

Make a point to visit with our team at the Senior Life Expo

Talk to us about the importance of your annual wellness screening, preventive care measures, and other health care services we offer.

You can also get your blood pressure checked for free by one of our clinicians, or speak to a licensed insurance agent about Medicare options.

Enter to win your own blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, or other prizes!

Did you know Medicare Advantage can save you 30 – 40% on health care costs?1

Talk to a Medicare expert* any time at 719-437-7577 or visit optum.com/2023AEP

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 through December 7

Optum accepts Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Bright Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

1According to UHG Medicare Advantage Cost Savings Report 2020

*A licensed insurance agent. Optum representatives connect Medicare beneficiaries with resources including licensed insurance agents that sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. © 2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved.