My a s e n i o r p u b li cat i o n fo r A n d e r s o n, C o f f e y, F r a n k li n, Li n n, M ia m i, & Os ag e c o u nti es
Honor Flights A tribute to veterans from Kansas to the U.S. Capital
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Welcome
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here was a time when everyone knew what a “senior” was. Seniors were simply the oldest generation, the grandparents and occasionally great-grandparents of each family. They were most often retired. They fished and they baked. They spoiled grandkids. They were the backbone of the churches and the fraternal lodges. For some, that definition is still true. But for many others, it has changed and expanded greatly over the past decades. Living longer and healthier lives, working longer and being more active, people are entering the ranks of “senior citizens” later in life and enjoying more years as seniors. Seniors are no longer the oldest in their families, but are sometimes caring for their own parents as well. In short, the road map for thriving in the senior years has changed. This new annual publication explores the new reality of living as a senior in our region of east-central Kansas through stories of seniors in our region, a tribute to an archetypical church lady, tips from area experts and a full resource section provided by the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy the articles and benefit from the resources in these pages.
Nathan Pettengill Editor
2 0 1 6 M y G e n e r at i o n
My a s e n i o r p u b li cati o n fo r an d e r s o n, c o f f ey, f r an k li n, li n n , M ia M i, & o sag e c o u n t i es
Honor Flights A tribute to veterans from Kansas to the U.S. Capital
on the cover Jim Pritchard Sr. and Jim Pritchard (father and son) visit the Marine Corps War Memorial during an Honor Flight visit to Washington D.C. Photograph courtesy Jim Pritchard.
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Table of Contents
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My Generation is a partnership of Sunflower Publishing and East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging.
Editor
Art Director
Photographer
Writers
Nathan Pettengill Jenni Leiste Bill Stephens Marsha Henry Goff
Audrey Lintner
Kirstin Olson
COPY EDITOR
Leslie Andres
advertising
representatives
Anna Newman
(417) 237-0047
Ad Designer
Jenni Leiste
645 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 (888) 497-8668 www.sunflowerpub.com General Manager
Katy Ibsen
Special Projects
Bert Hull
117 S Main St, Ottawa, KS 66067 (785) 242-7200 www.eckaaa.org executive director
Elizabeth Maxwell
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Table of contents
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T eac h i ng th e S ou nd o f E xc el l ence
An award-winning senior violin instructor continues to nurture talent and a love for the arts
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T h e Qu een o f t h e C h u rc h P ot lu c k
She is a breed apart, one of the disappearing heroes who left behind a legacy in hearts and on plates
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T h e H onor F l i g h t E x p er i ence Nonprofit program pays tribute to local war veterans and builds bridges with younger generations
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12 Tips
Advice from wise seniors and other regional experts on living longer and living better in rural areas
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R es ou rc e s
ECKAAA Services and Essential Contact Information
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Alice Joy Lewis
/ Story by Kirstin Olson | Photography by Bill Stephens
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Teaching the Sound of Excellence An award-winning senior violin instructor continues to nurture talent and a love for the arts
Kirstin Olson is an educator and writer based in Ottawa.
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Alice Joy Lewis
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lice Joy Lewis, founder and director of the Ottawa Suzuki Strings, has spent a lifetime surrounding herself with music and sharing her gifts with the community. It’s been that way since Lewis, now 73, was growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, where her mother taught piano and played violin. At that time, one of her family’s favorite pastimes was gathering around their large radio to listen to the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Lewis recalls visits to the Kansas City Symphony as well. “I can still remember how excited I’d be when I heard them tuning up, because that meant something cool was going to happen.” Soon, just listening wasn’t enough. “I was very moved by violin music; it just touched my heart,” says Lewis. She began studying violin at age nine and eventually earned degrees in violin and music education at the University of Kansas. After graduating, Lewis moved to Ottawa and taught strings in the public schools for two years until her career took an unexpected turn. It started when she heard colleagues praising the work of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who taught and conducted a group of young string musicians. Lewis was intrigued enough to attend a summer program taught by Suzuki. The quality of the children’s musicianship overcame her early skepticism about Suzuki’s methods, and his belief that “every child can learn” appealed to Lewis. She returned to Kansas determined to teach with Suzuki’s method. “It changed my life,” she says simply. In 1966, Lewis founded the nonprofit Ottawa Suzuki Strings, Inc. Her new students were as young as 4, which was a new challenge for someone who described her original teaching style as “highly professor-ish.” To become more skilled with younger students, Lewis attended conferences taught by Suzuki throughout the U.S.
For decades, Alice Joy Lewis has introduced the violin to students of all ages in individual lessons, such as with Elijah O’Brien (top), and in groups, such as with Elijah, Grace and Josiah O’Brien (above).
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Alice Joy Lewis
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In the early 1970s, Lewis traveled to Matsumoto, Japan, to study at Suzuki’s Talent Education Institute. She and her son Brian, who was then four years old, spent three months living with a Japanese family and participating in Suzuki’s classes. Lewis was inspired by the kind, nurturing way Suzuki interacted with children and adults. After returning, she established a summer program based on her experiences in Japan, and in 1974 OSSI held its first annual summer institute at Ottawa University, one of the first of its kind in the country. Over the years, Lewis has taught students of varying abilities and ages, from toddlers to 80-year-olds. She is proud that several students have become professional musicians or teachers, but she also recalls other achievements.
One student, who had significant developmental delays, began studying with Lewis at age four. By the time he left Ottawa 12 years later, he had mastered all the songs in Book One of the program. Lewis remembers the young man played “Amazing Grace” at his farewell recital. “There was not a dry eye in the room,” recalls Lewis. “I have had students able to solo with a symphony at age eight; everyone sees that as a great thing. But that young man was really great.” Lewis says five decades of teaching have taught her to relate to students as individuals. “You’re not teaching violin; you’re teaching the child,” she says. As an example, Lewis notes that early in her career, she told students that they should practice correctly or put the violin away. But when her young son began experimenting with pieces well beyond his
Tell your doctor... I Choose Criticare ability level, she realized it was more important for him to build a relationship and confidence with his violin than to play correctly. “Thank goodness I didn’t take my own advice!” she chuckles.
“You’re not teaching violin; you’re teaching the child.” - Alice Joy Lewis
Another piece of advice Lewis learned to adapt to the individual was Suzuki’s saying, “Practice only on the days you eat.” Lewis recalls one student who quit practicing at home because he was struggling with a difficult family situation. When he came to lessons, Lewis said there was no talk of practice, no scolding; the two just played together. Eventually the young man began practicing again. Lewis says that years later she received a message from the student telling her she had changed his life profoundly. Lewis’ classes and her partnership with the local Arts Council in repurposing the city’s central landmark Carnegie Building have had a tremendous economic and cultural impact. Ottawa ophthalmologist Dr. Ken Frank, who serves on the OSSI board, credits Lewis with raising the level of fine arts across the community. Longtime OSSI patron and Ottawa chiropractor Dr. John Brockway agrees, adding that Lewis represents musical education focusing on virtuosity, fun and character development. Recognition for Lewis has come from outside Ottawa as well. In 2007, she earned the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award. The following year, the Kansas chapter of the American String Teachers Association recognized her with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Under Lewis’ direction, OSSI has performed locally and internationally, from the Kauffman Center to Ireland. When asked about her achievements, however, Lewis turns the conversation to the joy of seeing her students grow in character and musicianship. “I’m terribly proud that these are kids, and they sound good,” she says. “Children can do something and excel at it while they are developing discipline. Why work hard for mediocrity? It might as well be for excellence.”
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Miss Maudie
/ Story by Audrey Lintner
Queen of the Church Potluck
Audrey Lintner is an Ottawa based writer who created the character of Miss Maudie based on beloved figures from her own life of potluck dinners.
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She is a breed apart, one of the disappearing heroes who left behind a legacy in hearts and on plates
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Miss Maudie
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veryone around town knew Miss Maudie. She was the quintessential “church lady.” Not the smarmy, Bible-thumping stereotype seen on comedy programs, but the real thing. Pastel slacks, flower-print blouses, a halo of silvery curls, heart of gold. Whenever anyone asked how long she’d been a part of the congregation, Miss Maudie would laugh and say, “Forever, honey. Just forever.” Miss Maudie was a beloved greeter on Sundays, door and smile held equally wide as she welcomed friends and newcomers alike and urged everyone to stay for coffee and cookies after the service. She was a prized nursery attendant, with talents for soothing the fussiest baby and encouraging the shyest toddler to try their hand at coloring. Any potluck that could boast one of Miss Maudie’s casseroles was guaranteed to be a success. The fragrant steam was almost a palpable thing, burgeoning through the doorway and curling under congregants’ noses, drawing them in as surely as a lure draws a fish. “This is so good, Miss Maudie. How long have you been making it?” Another delighted laugh. “Forever, honey. Just forever.” As she passed her ninetieth birthday, Miss Maudie’s health forced her to scale back on her duties, but she never failed to bring her casserole to the monthly suppers. One memorable Sunday, she announced that she had decided to try adding bacon bits to the casserole. The coffee and lemonade carafes were soon emptied as unwary diners rushed to rinse their mouths; Miss Maudie had taken the wrong box from her pantry.
The “bacon bits” were pieces of crunchy cat food. The remaining casserole was surreptitiously scraped into the trash; everyone hastened to assure Miss Maudie that yes, bacon bits were a nice change, but they loved her casserole just as it always had been. One day, the church family said good-bye to Miss Maudie. No more silver curls, no more smiles; just a hushed congregation and many grieving hearts. The funeral supper was a potluck, and every single family brought a casserole, though none was as good as Miss Maudie’s.
Forever, honey. Just forever. As we move into an age of megachurches and microcommunities, it’s sad to think that some may consider the church lady to be an anachronism, rarely spotted in the modern world. I beg to differ. The Miss Maudies of the world are gradually disappearing, but their memories will live on in every door greeter, nursery attendant, and potluck hostess. For how long? Forever, honey. Just forever.
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Miss Maudie
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Miss Maudie’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Nobody knows exactly what went into Miss Maudie’s popular casserole, but this recipe is a nice starting place. Serve it as-is, or make it your own by adding your favorite meats, cheeses and spices. Cat crunchies are strictly optional (and, to be entirely honest—not at all recommended). Preparation Time: 90 mins approx.
Serves: 12–15 people
Ingredients: 3 cups water 3 cups instant white rice 1 stick butter, sliced 3 cups chicken, cooked and diced 3 cups frozen broccoli 1 can cream of chicken and mushroom soup 1 can cheddar cheese soup 1 cup milk 1¼ cup shredded mild cheddar Pepper and garlic salt to taste Bread crumbs
Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the rice according to package directions. Put the cooked rice in a large mixing bowl and scatter the butter slices over the top. Add the remaining ingredients except for the bread crumbs and ¼ cup of the cheese. Mix thoroughly. Spoon the mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish; bake for 40 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and stir well to ensure even heating. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the reserved cheese and plenty of bread crumbs. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Best served with a warm smile.
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HONOR FLIGHT
/ Story by Marsha Henry Goff | Photography by Bill Stephens
The Honor Flight
Experience N o n p r o f i t p r o g r a m pay s t r i b u t e t o l o c a l wa r v e t e r a n s a n d b u i l d s bridges with younger generations
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HONOR FLIGHT
Photograph courtesy Stephen R. Brown Studio
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HONOR FLIGHT
“I couldn’t keep up with him.” - Grant Dalrymple on friend and veteran Crosby “Bing” Powell
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HONOR FLIGHT
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Grant Dalrymple and Crosby “Bing” Powell visit about the trip they took together on the Kansas Honor Flight studentveteran program.
In May 2005, a volunteer force flew six small passenger planes, each carrying two World War II veterans, out of Springfield, Ohio, to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The flights were organized by a retired Air Force physician’s assistant who wanted to honor the veterans with a visit to the memorial before they became too frail to fly. That modest beginning quickly grew into the nonprofit Honor Flight Network, which has since transported more than 159,500 veterans from 44 states and 132 hubs, including a coordination center in Lyndon. The Lyndon program has completed 11 flights honoring 350 veterans since 2007. Marty Feltner, who has served as the veterans’ coordinator for the flights, describes the program as living history with an impact. “I have heard stories of war from veterans that still choke me up, as do the people throughout the trip who stop and thank our vets,” says Feltner. “I feel blessed to have been a part of it. I have memories that I will carry for the rest of my life.” Student-Veteran Pairings One aspect that makes the Lyndon Honor Flights relatively unique is that it pairs veterans with volunteer high school students who serve as the veterans’ personal assistants, or “guardians,” for the trips. One of these guardians has been Grant Dalrymple, now a student at
Pittsburg State, who served during all three of his years at Lyndon High School. “It’s an awesome program. I loved it,” says Dalrymple, who took seriously his duty to assist the veterans. Dalrymple’s biggest challenge came his senior year when he was responsible for two World War II veterans. One was in a wheelchair; the other was Crosby “Bing” Powell of Topeka. “I couldn’t keep up with him,” says Dalrymple, who fondly describes Powell as “a spry old guy who wanted to go where he wanted to go and see what he wanted to see.” And that is exactly how Powell recalls the trip as well. “I didn’t need an attendant,” states Powell matter-of-factly. Indeed he did not, nor does he now. At 92, Powell daily drives himself to Washburn University, where he works half-days in the athletic department, having retired from both Santa Fe and the Kansas National Guard after attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. His uniform, in which he plans to be buried, hangs in his closet. Rows of ribbons—two of them representing the Bronze Stars he was awarded— decorate the uniform jacket. Powell remembers the ship, Pasteur, that transported him to Africa in 1943. A Liberty ship took him to Naples where he joined the 34th Division. “We worked our way up Italy. It was the worst winter they ever had, and we crossed the Volturno River several times. It took us a
long time to go up the boot of Italy.” He recalls the mud and snow and his wartime holiday dinners. “People think we had turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had cold hash in a little can or beef stew or pork ’n’ beans—that’s what we had.” Powell says he has no desire to return to Italy and the mountains where he fought and watched his fellow soldiers die, but he did want to visit the war memorials in D.C. Powell learned about the Honor Flight program from a friend at church. Shortly after, he signed up and was on a flight with a group coordinated by Martin Feltner of Lyndon, Kansas. His group flew out of Kansas City International and were greeted with salutes from Navy cadets in dress uniforms when they deplaned in Baltimore. Powell, Dalrymple and the other veteran-guardian pairs viewed all the war memorials in D.C. “The best was the Korean War memorial where they had all these different figures,” recalls Powell. The group was so impressed by the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery that the veterans stayed through three of the 15-minute shift changes. “I would like to go again,” Powell says.
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HONOR FLIGHT
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James Pritchard and his son Jim Pritchard accompanied one another on a Kansas Honor Flight tour of historic sites and war memorials in Washington, D.C. Photos courtesy Jim Pritchard.
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HONOR FLIGHT
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“It was the bestorganized trip I was ever on.” - James Pritchard, Sr.
Father-Son Flight In August 1945, James Pritchard, Sr. was a 19-year-old Marine in a mortar platoon on Iwo Jima. He recalls dreading the expected invasion of Japan and then receiving word that the atomic bomb had been dropped. His unit was soon shipped to Nagasaki and arrived in September with the fighting officially over. Pritchard went on to have a career with the gas service company and a son, Jim Jr., who would also serve, this time with the Navy during the Vietnam War. Now retired, Jim Jr. serves as a city councilman in Paola. In spring 2015, the two generations of Pritchard veterans flew out of Wichita on a three-day Kansas Honor Flight. Both men praise flight organizers. “It was the best-organized trip I was ever on,” says the elder Pritchard—but they agree that the best thing about the trip was sharing the experience as father and son. The elder Pritchard still marvels that when the veterans went through the airport in Chicago, passengers lined the walkways to clap and cheer for the servicemen. “It was something! I’ve never had anything like that,” says Jim Sr. Regarding their time in D.C., the elder Pritchard says, “All the monuments were impressive. I think the most beautiful monument is the World War II Memorial. It is beautiful, but the Wall, it kind of puts a lump in your throat, all those hundreds and hundreds of names.” He was also enthralled by the endurance of the Marine guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “When D.C. recently had 30 inches of snow, I wondered if he was back there walking.” During their trip to the war memorials, the Pritchards were met by a fellow veteran—Senator Bob Dole. The Kansas politician and wounded war hero sat in a wheelchair, greeting each fellow veteran from the group. “He talked to everybody,” recalls Jim Sr. “Guys were lined up, and Dole stayed there until he talked to all of them.” Senator Dole helped spearhead the drive to build the World War II Memorial and makes an effort to greet as many Honor Flight veterans from Kansas as possible. “It is always a great experience meeting fellow Kansas veterans at the World War II Memorial,” writes Senator Dole in response to a query from this magazine about the veteran visits. “I’ve been involved with Honor Flight for a decade now. The veterans all have an opportunity to visit and share stories together, and many times we know each other. The flights are gearing up again in April, and I am certainly looking forward to it.” So are the veterans.
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HONOR FLIGHT
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Photograph courtesy Stephen R. Brown Studio
honor flights
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HONOR FLIGHT
Honor Flight:
Details And Upcoming Trips Since 2005, Honor Flight Network has taken more than 159,500 veterans to Washington D.C. The network currently has 132 hubs serving 44 states. Kansas has 10 hubs, 7 of which are student-veteran programs. There is no charge to veterans for the trip. Guardians usually pay $700, which includes airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation. Priority is given to World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans. Korean War veterans are next in line, followed by Vietnam veterans. Listed below are the flights currently scheduled by hubs serving Kansas veterans (note that some are two-day, others three-day trips). Note: these flights will be updated throughout the year. Please check for a full list of sites and contact information via the organization’s website, honorflightkc.org.
Kansas Honor Flight (flies out of Wichita): May 25–27; June 15–17; June 22–24. Contact Mike VanCampen at (620) 546-2400 or mvancamp@sctelcom.net
Central Heights Student (Richmond) Honor Flight: June 2–3. Contact Tom Horstick at thorstick@usd288.org or (785) 869-3555
North Central Kansas (Concordia) Honor Flight: June 20–22. Contact Beverly Mortimer at (785) 243-3518 or bmortimer@usd333.com
Southern Coffey County High School (Leroy) Honor Flight: November 10–11. Contact Jeff True at (620) 964-2217 or truej@mail.usd245ks.org Flights that are possible, but not yet confirmed, are:
Kansas Honor Flight (flies out of Wichita): September 7–9 and 21–23; October 5–7 and 19–21; November 2–4. Contact (620) 546-2400 or mvancamp@sctelcom.net
Honor Flight Network of Kansas City (flies out of Kansas City): Flights are planned for June and November, no firm date.
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advice
/ Story by Marsha Henry Goff
2 0 1 6 M y G e n e r at i o n
Tips
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Advice from wise seniors and other regional experts on living longer and living better in rural areas
Marsha Henry Goff is an author from northeast Kansas who has written extensively on seniors and military veterans.
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Love (or at least be friendly with) Your Neighbors “Long-time friendly and caring neighbors make retirement life at our rural Osage County home of 43 years enjoyable, comfortable and safe. When my husband, Gary, had a heart attack at home, among neighbors responding were a nurse, someone to take the dog, someone to drive me to the hospital, someone to drive my car to the hospital, and another to call our three children.”
Keep in Touch “I have a Jitterbug cell phone with a medical alert button, which is with me always. I carry the phone in my pocket during the day, and at night I wear a button around my neck that I can push to summon help. I have lunch at the senior center, and since I quit driving several months ago, a friend comes after me and takes me to the meal site.”
Farm it Up! “Seniors living in rural areas who enjoy gardening can plant extra vegetables and fruit to sell at local farmers’ markets. Be sure to contact market organizers to learn location-specific policies ahead of time.”
Channel the Boy Scouts and “Be Prepared!” “Be prepared for the unknown. No electricity? Gas cooking stove, generator for second source of heat and extra blankets. No water? Buy several gallons of water. Several feet of snow? Put up a snow fence in November and stock up on several cans of non-perishable food, including meat, vegetables and fruit. Have a source to be able to contact neighbors and/or family.”
Appreciate Nature’s Attractions “You can do about anything in the country you can do in town. You’re not around crowds so it’s peaceful, but not isolated with the good roads and transportation we have available. ‘Did you see the beautiful sunrise this morning?’”
Frances Ritchie Summers Vassar
Vanita Chandler, artist, age 99 Wellsville
Shannon M. Blocker Frontier Extension District Agent Garnett
Linda L. Michael Rural Wellsville
Don Higdon Rural Williamsburg
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“Have a reliable automobile ... or someone you can count on.”
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Get a round, round, round! “Have a reliable automobile for transportation or someone you can count on who will take you shopping or to a doctor’s appointment. Greeley’s population is only about 300, so we do not have a grocery store.”
Volunteer for Others and Self “After I retired, I found many opportunities to volunteer in my community. I became active in our local Senior Center, began delivering Meals on Wheels and became a SHICK volunteer for senior citizens. When we share our time and talents we transform our own lives, connect to others as well as strengthen our community. Older volunteers are more likely to receive greater benefits from volunteering. It is never too late to volunteer in your community.”
- Marlyn Burkhardt
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Marlyn Burkhardt Greeley
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Barbara Dailey Lebo
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Do What the Chief Tells You “Everyone in rural areas should have a smoke detector. Smoke will not wake them because carbon monoxide in smoke puts them into a deeper sleep. Our fire department will set up a time to provide a smoke detector, if needed, and will change batteries— all at no charge. In case of fire, call 911 and evacuate the house. Use a fire extinguisher only if you’re familiar with its operation and the fire is small.”
Sweeten Your Life “Bee keeping is a very fascinating as well as rewarding hobby for all ages. I started my bee keeping hobby many years ago. I am retired and live in a rural area but neither is required to keep bees. I feel bee keeping is an ideal hobby that does not require a lot of time and keeps my mind and body active. We need more people to maintain our pollinators and receive honey in return.”
Don’t Be a Stranger “I thoroughly enjoy the peace and serenity that we have in the country by sitting on my front porch. I enjoy the bonding we have with our neighbors. Often, in town, people do not know their neighbors. Country people are friendlier. They will always wave and you can ask them for directions. Of course, it may be, ‘Go to the big barn ….’”
Take Some OldTime Screen-Time “Nature and the elderly can be an interesting combination. My mother has a large picture window in the front of her house. This last year, after a serious injury confined her to home, a couple of bird feeders were added in front of her picture window. She gets more enjoyment out of watching the birds and the squirrels than she would ever get from television. Just think ... back to the basics!”
Plan to Pass it On “The proper insurance and business succession plan can make seniors’ dreams of passing on the family farm or ranch a reality for future generations.”
Chief Paul Richards Louisburg Fire Department Miami County Fire District One
Lex E. Gislar, DDS From the Bees of Lex Gislar Rural Ottawa
Shirley Buek Rural Burlingame
J.M. Smith Ottawa
Carlene Spillman Farm Bureau Financial Mound City
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ECKAAA Resource Guide
area Resources A Guide to Senior Resources and Services Provided, contracted or referred by East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (ECKAAA). We are dedicated to providing professional advice and referrals based solely on the best interests of the senior population and those caring for them. Call us at 785.242.7200 for consultations and additional resources on any of these themes.
East Central Kansas Area Agency on Agency is dedicated to coordinating and providing programs and services to older persons and caregivers that improve the quality of life and celebrate the independence, health and dignity of all older Kansans. The area agency on aging has the responsibility to advocate for services that respond to the needs of the most frail and vulnerable elderly. The members of our staff are dedicated, knowledgeable professionals, ready to help older Kansans live in the place they call home as long as they wish. While the agency’s main office is in Ottawa, we provide services to Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami, and Osage counties. Each county has its own case manager, and all staff are happy to answer general questions. The ECKAAA staff can coordinate or provide assistance with meals, bathing, grocery shopping, house cleaning, health insurance questions, and legal issues. We also offer special programs for caregivers, such as support groups and respite care. Our best services are those that empower people to discover their own strengths, their own talents, and their own solutions. Funding to provide all services is provided by federal, state, and local tax dollars, as well as client contributions, co-pays, and other grant/contract sources. When funding falls short, volunteers fill in the gap to meet needs. Guided by the leadership and commitment of the agency’s advisory council and policy board, East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging will continue to provide support and find solutions for older Kansans and their families.
Elizabeth Maxwell Executive Director, East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging
Assessments A comprehensive assessment covering functional and cognitive abilities, health, available supports, and financial ability to pay will be conducted in the home at no charge. Nursing Facility Pre-Admission Due to both federal and state regulations, no person may enter a nursing facility without a pre-admission screening, which in Kansas is called the CARE assessment. There is no charge for this assessment, and it can be done in the client’s home. Case Management This service places a trained and knowledgeable case manager with a client needing additional assistance in accessing appropriate services or resources. A case manager will know all that’s available to meet the needs of the client. Personal Care Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, medication management may be provided by a trained personal care attendant. Housekeeping Light housekeeping services, designed to focus on the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area where a client spends the majority of time are provided. This service may also include meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and other errands. Respite (Caregiver Relief) Relief for the caregiver is referred to as respite. This service will allow a paid attendant to be in the home with a loved one so the caregiver can have a temporary break from the caregiving responsibilities. Nutrition Nutritious meals are served in a congregate setting or in the home if a person qualifies. Visit the Meals on Wheels website at www.mealsonwheelsbymanp.org or contact us for more information.
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ECKAAA Resource Guide Family Caregiver Support Groups The East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging cares about caregivers. If you are a care giver 60 or over or if you are caring for someone 60 or over please join us. Anderson County Join us in Anderson County on the fourth Monday of each month at the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Conference Room at 1 p.m., 519 South Elm St, Garnett, KS Coffey County Join us in Coffey County on the second Thursday of each month at the Burlington Library at 2:30 p.m., 410 Juniatta, Burlington, KS Franklin County Join us in Franklin County on the second Tuesday of each month at the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging Conference Room at 2 p.m., 117 South Main St., Ottawa, KS; Evening Support Group on the 4th Wednesday of every month at the Elizabeth Layton Center at 6 p.m., 2537 Eisenhower Rd., Ottawa, KS Miami County Join us in Miami County on the third Tuesday of each month at the Elizabeth Layton Center at 6 p.m., 505 South Hospital Drive, Paola, KS Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) The SHICK program is a volunteer-based program currently administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Senior citizens are provided counseling by trained volunteers about Medicare benefits and options concerning supplemental health insurance that is available. Consultation Our experts can provide assistance with the following aspects of Medicare. SHICK Counseling (Senior Healthcare Insurance Counseling for Kansas) 2016 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
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Medicare Part D Extra Help Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Medicare Savings Program (MSP) Quarterly trainings for those new to Medicare Medicare Appeals process Other Medicare Resources Official Medicare website: www.medicare.gov Social Security online: www.socialsecurity.gov Official Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Site www.cms.hhs.gov Look up your medications (brand or generic) for information as to whether you can get them free directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturer www.rxassist.org Custom Care The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center can help provide custom care needs such as necessary equipment to enable an individual to remain in the home with greater safety. Examples of the types of equipment could include bath bench, stool riser, bedside commode, dentures, hearing aids, personal emergency response, and lift chairs. This equipment may potentially be paid through one of our in-home service programs. Call our office to explore these options. Lifeline Personal emergency alert devices can provide an extra measure of confidence and safety to an older adult living alone. The Area Agency on Aging can assist in getting a Lifeline (or other emergency alert system) into the home. Legal Assistance Kansas Legal Services provides legal advice, counseling, and representation. They are experienced and knowledgeable, and keep current on changes in elder law. They do not provide representation for criminal cases. Call our office for additional contact information.
Options counseling Making decisions about long term care services can be difficult. Options counseling can help by providing unbiased information that is relevant to the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals. Information and Assistance Information and assistance can be provided over the phone or by a visit to our office. Current information on opportunities and services available and assistance in making referrals to other agencies are provided. Health and Wellness The Area Agency on Aging works to provide activities that include physical, social, intellectual and service related strategies for older adults. The strategies chosen for this help improve cognitive function, balance, strength and flexibility. Several exercise classes take place that use chair aerobics, light weights and resistance bands. Each class also contains memory exercises each time to help with memory recall and cognitive function. The anticipated benefits through these programs include an increase in strength, range of motion, balance, memory, problem solving, and help with dealing with depression, isolation and loneliness. Call the Area Agency on Aging for a complete schedule and more information. Intergenerational When funding allows the agency provides a range of intergenerational activities for the elderly population to interact with the young generations. Call the agency to see if there are any intergenerational programs currently occurring in your community. Previous programs have included: Greeting Cards/Ornaments Program Different youth groups help to organize and mail greeting cards for older adults in all of our six counties: Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami and Osage. The youth also assist in helping to create, organize and deliver personalized holiday ornaments.
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ECKAAA Resource Guide / STATE AND NATIONAL Resources
Computer Class Program Young adults meet with seniors (over 60) in the summer to cover basics such as computer skills, cell phones, Facebook, etc. The young adults help the seniors with any technical difficulties they might have. This intergenerational activity is beneficial for both the young adults and the seniors.
State and National Resources
Life Story Program Life stories are intergenerational projects that allow older adults to tell their life story through an interview process to young people. Stories are compiled into bound booklets and then presented to each storyteller.
Adult Protective Services (800) 922-5330
Other Projects Other projects include mentoring and tutoring as well as teaching students how to play games such as chess, checkers, jacks, Scrabble, etc. We are also interested in hearing from you if you have any other ideas of different projects we could try.
Kansas Advocates for Better Care (800) 525-1782 www.kabc.org
Transportation Coordination Assistance and advice on transportation solutions for seniors. Volunteer Programs ECKAAA provides a data base of numerous options for seniors to volunteer in their communities.
Abuse/Neglect/ Exploitation and Fraud/Discrimination Adult Care Complaint Program (800) 842-0078
Kansas Abuse/Neglect Answering Service (800) 922-5330 Calls answered 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Kansas Attorney General Topeka (785) 296-2215 or (888) 428-8436 Kansas Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline (888) 363-2287 Kansas Elder Law Hotline (888) 353-5337 Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman (Institutional concerns, questions or concerns about residents’ rights, transfer and discharge rights or other care issues) Topeka (785) 296-3017 or (877) 662-8362
Aging Advocacy and Support Services Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) 1-855-200-2372 www.kdads.ks.gov Alcoholics Anonymous 24-hour Hotline: (785) 842-0110 Kansas Advocates for Better Care Lawrence (785) 842-3088 (800) 525-1782 www.kabc.org Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Topeka (785) 296-4986 (800) 432-3535 www.agingkansas.org Kansas Department of Revenue Taxpayer Assistance (785) 368-8222 Kansas Taxpayer Advocate (316) 651-2100 Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. Topeka (785) 273-2552 (800) 432-0407 www.kfmc.org Kansas Health Consumer Coalition Topeka (785) 232-9997 www.kshealthconsumer.com
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STATE AND NATIONAL Resources Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support and Information Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter (913) 831-3888 (800) 272-3900 (Phone answered 24 hours) Useful/Toll-Free Numbers AARP Kansas (866) 448-3619 Adult Abuse and Neglect In the community (800) 922-5330 In an adult care home (800) 842-0078 Alcohol and Drug Helpline (800) 314-8174 Alcoholics Anonymous (24-hour help line) (785) 842-0110 Al-Anon (for friends and families of alcoholics) (888) 425-2666 Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 American Heart Association (800) 242-8721 American Lung Association (800) 586-4872 Arthritis Foundation-Kansas Chapter (888) 719-5670 Audio Reader (800) 772-8898 Cancer Information Service (800) 422-6237 Consumer Hotline (Attorney General’s Office) (800) 432-2310
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Disability Rights Resource Center (877) 776-1541
Social Security Administration (866) 698-2561
Eldercare Locator (800) 677-1116
Talking Books Service (800)362-0699
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (800) 383-0217
Telemarketers (No Call) (888) 382-1222
Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 432-0698
Veterans Affairs Regional Office (800) 827-1000
Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs (785) 843-5233 (785) 296-3976 Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (800)432-3535 Kansas Department of Revenue Tax Refund Status Line (800) 894-0318 Kansas Elder Law Hotline (888) 353-5337 Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. (800) 432-0407 Kansas Guardianship Program (800) 672-0086 Kansas Insurance Department (800) 432-2484 Kansas Relay Center (TDD) (800)766-3777 Legislative Hotline (800) 432-3924 Long Term Care Ombudsman (877) 662-8362 Medicaid Fraud Hotline (800) 432-3913 Medicare Information 1-800-MEDICARE (800) 633-4227 Poison Control (800) 222-1222
2015/16
SENIOR
SUNFLOWER PUBLISHING’S
NO RETIREMENT
BLUES
Musician Pat Nichols on heritage, music and the benefits of age
Senior Series
+ Senior Tango
Dancing with style in life’s second-half
+ Wise Eye
A professional photographer enjoys post-career shots
+ Resource Listings
Essential numbers and quick facts about retired living in Douglas County
My a s e n i o r p u b li cati o n f o r an d e r s o n , c o f f e y, f r an k li n , li n n , M i aM i , & o sag e c o u n t i es
Honor Flights A tribute to veterans from Kansas to the U.S. Capital
From stories about seniors in our communities to available resources across north eastern and central eastern Kansas—our Senior Series has it all.
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