The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | 1
2 | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal
Keeping active key to well-being as one ages By Luke Ranker
lucas.ranker@cjonline.com
Yoga provides Glenda Bower an ideal way to stay fit and active. The 77-year-old takes classes weekly at Brewster Place, 1205 S.W. 29th St., where she’s on a waiting list for an independent living cottage. For more than a decade, she’s turned to yoga to improve her balance and wellbeing. “I used to get stiff and not feel so good,” Bower said. “It’s a great way to stay flexible and gain strength.” Staying active as she ages is important to maintaining a high quality of life, she said. Seniors like Bower have no shortage of ways to stay fit and engaged as area senior living facilities expand their offerings. Brewster Place has “something for everyone,” said vice president and chief operating
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It’s vital for older adults to stay engaged to find meaning and purpose in life. Everybody can live a full life even with the challenges they may face in aging.”
CAROL CUMMINGS, senior director of optimum life at Brookdale senior living company officer Claudia Larkin. A construction project under way will add a third exercise space complete with standard equipment like treadmills, weights and ellipticals. The NuStep recumbent cross-trainer has been a favorite tool for active seniors in the gym. Brewster also has a full-scale ACTIVE continues on 4
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Nita Bishop, right, participates in a chair yoga class at Brewster Place in Topeka. A construction project will add a third exercise space at the senior living community, complete with standard equipment like treadmills, weights and ellipticals.
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4 | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal
Hearing loss can create barrier in daily living By Allison Kite
allison.kite@cjonline.com
For many seniors, hearing loss may feel like an inevitable annoyance, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier that keeps them from their family, friends and the world around them, said several senior and hearing care providers. As seniors’ hearing deteriorates, they may choose to participate in fewer activities and somewhat withdraw from others. To combat that, several businesses are looking to enhance seniors’ hearing and reconnect them with the world. “You want to be as involved as you can be,” said Justin Tourtillott, an audiologist with Hearing Doctors of Kansas, 6001 S.W. 6th Ave. “You don’t want to isolate yourself because of hearing loss.” Tourtillott said he serves patients of all ages with diagnostic testing, hearing aid services and other hearing devices that connect to phones and electronic devices. About 75 percent of his patients are seniors. It’s important seniors get their hearing problems treated and remain connected with their loved ones, he said. Undiagnosed hearing loss is associated
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Debbie Walker, who serves as regional director for independent living at Pioneer Ridge’s parent company, Midwest Health, said the hearing assistance system in the movie theater at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence transmits sound from copper wiring installed under the carpet to residents’ hearing aids. with dementia. On average, Tourtillott said, patients wait as long as seven years to confront their hearing problems. “It’s a real insidious thing that happens very slowly over a long period of time, so oftentimes they don’t realize how much hearing loss they have,” Tourtillott said, adding he also thinks people stigmatize hearing aids. Ediger Hearing Aid Service
owner Rick Ediger said seniors struggling with hearing may put the issue on the back burner. “It’s a really silent thing that takes away from people,” Ediger said. Both businesses offer a range of hearing aids, including newer technology that is smaller and more discreet. Ediger said his clients will have significant hearing loss associated with high-pitched noises but may
maintain their hearing for deeper pitches. Advancements have allowed Ediger to adjust hearing aids with a computer and further amplify ranges depending on each person’s type of hearing loss. Ediger most commonly sees seniors with age-related hearing loss or people with noise-induced or hereditary hearing loss in his office at 3461 S.W. Plass Ave. Often, those with hearing loss lose everyday noises like rustling leaves or birds. “It affects everything you do, because you have to hear,” he said. To make sure hearing aids work for everything a senior does, some senior care providers, such as Pioneer Ridge Independent Living, 1000 Wakarusa Drive in Lawrence, offer hearing-assisted services. Pioneer Ridge has a movie theater with a system that connects the movie’s sound directly to residents’ hearing aids. Debbie Walker, who serves as regional director for independent living at Pioneer Ridge’s parent company, Midwest Health, said the system transmits sound from copper wiring installed under the carpet to make the sound clearer and crisper for residents who want to watch a movie, look at videos of family members or watch a Uni-
versity of Kansas football or basketball game. It could be frustrating for seniors who want to participate in activities but struggle because of their hearing loss, she said. “When people have minimal to moderate or severe hearing loss, any event that we’re experiencing with full hearing — it’s just muffled, it’s downplayed,” Walker said. “It’s not a full experience.” Walker said the whole Pioneer Ridge facility was designed to create a full living experience for its residents. Seniors have access to the movie theater during events or independently at any hour. The facility also has a gym with a fitness coach and machines that program to each individual’s size and strength and a pub that Walker said is open to the public. Walker said she wants the facility to be a part of Lawrence. “If we can make those minimal adjustments, take the time, put a little bit more of our finances into creating an environment to allow everybody to enjoy it, we’ll see more involved individuals and happier individuals,” she said. Contact reporter Allison Kite at (785) 295-1285.
Active: Experts say it’s ‘vital’ for older adults to stay engaged Continued from 2
woodworking shop, which will be expanded from about 650 square feet to more than 1,300 square feet. The shop, one of Brewster’s most popular amenities, can be used by residents to build small furniture, create carvings and make repairs, Larkin said. When it comes to wellness, staying active is vital for the body’s physical needs as well as its emotional and spiritual requirements, said Carol Cummings, senior director of optimum life at Brookdale, a Tennessee-based senior living company. Brookdale operates several retirement communities
across Kansas, including a small community at 1022 N. Caroline Ave. in Junction City. “It’s vital for older adults to stay engaged to find meaning and purpose in life,” Cummings said. “Everybody can live a full life, even with the challenges they may face in aging.” At the Brookdale facility in Junction City, residents can participate in the BFit program, she said. The holistic exercise combines concepts of tai chi with brain challenges and meditation. Internal fitness experts designed the program around American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for seniors, Cummings said.
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Bruce Douglas plays the piano as residents of Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence sing songs. Activities like the singing group provide opportunities that will enhance residents’ well-being.
Those guidelines call for workouts that include strength training and cardiovascular exercise at least twice a week. Brookdale also offers Flex Your Brain, a mental fitness workout that exercises six cognitive areas, Cummings said. “Think about circuit training for the body, where you work different muscles,” she said. “It’s like that but for the brain.” At Brandon Woods at Alvamar, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence, seniors enjoy a fitness center, pool and walking trails throughout the 30-acre campus, said executive director Donna Bell. Exercise classes include tai chi, yoga and water aerobics.
The Big 12 Pub offers seniors a sports bar-like atmosphere to socialize before dinner and watch major University of Kansas games. Classes from KU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute remain among the most popular activities. Classes have focused on medieval history, German settlers in Kansas and current events, Bell said. “It makes sense if you’re thinking about the total person to think about all aspects of activity and interest,” she said. Contact region and enterprise reporter Luke Ranker at (785) 295-1270, or follow him on Twitter at @lrankerNEWS or Facebook at facebook.com/lukeranker.
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20 things you should know before moving into a senior-care home
There may come a time when a loved one can no longer care for themselves in their home. Perhaps they’re prone to falls or have a debilitating illness, or maybe the natural process of aging has taken its toll. Choosing a care facility that meets your loved one’s needs can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if a decision must be made quickly following a medical crisis. Here’s a checklist of things to do and questions to ask that might help the decision-making process.
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What is the monthly rate for services provided? Is the facility Medicare- or Medicaidcertified?
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Is the facility licensed? Has the license ever been revoked?
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Is the facility accepting new patients? If so, is there a waiting period for admission?
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Does the facility conduct background checks on all staff?
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What is the patient-to-staff ratio? How many licensed nurses are on duty each shift? How are medications delivered?
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What is the visiting policy?
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What is the discharge policy?
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Is transportation provided for doctor visits and other appointments?
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Take a tour. Check to see if lighting is adequate, exits are marked, hallways have handrails, rooms/ bathrooms have grab bars/call buttons, temperature is comfortable, and locks are on doors/windows.
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Use your senses. Does the facility smell fresh? Are residents well-groomed? Does staff interact? Is there excessive noise? Does the food look and smell good? If possible, stay for a meal.
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What activities are available? Do the residents help determine those activities?
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Is physical therapy available?
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Does the staff have special training to deal with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
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Does the home have outdoor areas for residents who want to spend time outside?
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Can your loved one have their own furniture and special possessions in their room?
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Does the facility have a comfortable, home-like environment?
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If concerns arise after the loved one has moved in, who should you talk to?
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Do residents have access to a television and personal phone, or must they provide their own?
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Do residents have a choice of roommates? Are rooms private - do staff knock before opening doors and entering? Is the facility able to provide special dietary needs (low-salt or no-sugar diets, pureed food for those with swallowing issues)?
20
SOURCES: AARP INC.; MEDICARE.GOV
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Senior communities take healthy approach to meals By Savanna Maue
savanna.maue@cjonline.com
No matter your age, everyone enjoys good food. That’s why when choosing a senior living community, it’s important to look at all your options. When speaking with three different facilities — one in Lawrence and two in Topeka — restaurant-style dining was the norm. Residence administrators recognize the need for high-quality dining and do their best to accommodate those needs, offering whitelinen table cloths, private dining rooms for families and, at some facilities, nine different options per meal. “It’s really about an experience,” said Chris Mahen, chief operating officer at Legend Senior Living. “So we create a friendly, courteous, interactive upscale restaurant experience for residents, and that includes the atmosphere, to how the
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We can pretty much write our own unique menu, but we’re in the Midwest — people prefer meat and potatoes here.” BRETT EAKES, the director of culinary services at Atria Hearthstone in Topeka table is set, to flowers being on the tables, to background music, to wait staff, to providing multiple courses and selections.” The Windsor of Lawrence, a Legend Senior Living residence at 3220 Peterson Road in Lawrence, offers the Gold Leaf Dining experience. The amenity includes three courses for each meal: a soup or salad; main course, which has two entree options to choose from each day, then six to seven always-available items; and a dessert. A priority for senior living communities is offering nutritious meals. Over the years, they’ve expanded menu offerings to accommodate growing
dietary specifications. “We do two different diets. We do no-added-salt and noconcentrated-sweets for the diabetics,” said Brett Eakes, director of culinary services at Atria Hearthstone, 3415 S.W. 6th Ave. “We have a registered dietitian to help with our menus, as well as our house dietitian in Louisville (Ky.) that maintains our menus. We can pretty much write our own unique menu, but we’re in the Midwest — people prefer meat and potatoes here.” Regulations for senior living centers dictate the nutritional value of meals served. While variety is still important, Matt Mitzel, general manager of Aldersgate Village, 7220 S.W.
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Marcus Jackson tosses cornbread dressing mix in a large bowl as he prepares a meal for residents at The Windsor of Lawrence. Jackson has worked as a chef at the senior living facility for five years.
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Asbury Drive, explained the quality of ingredients is a top consideration. Serving multigrain bars, cage-free eggs and fresh fruit alongside classic unhealthy options like peach pie, candy bars and soft-serve ice cream means finding a healthy dietary balance can sometimes be difficult, staff say. “We have to take a happy and healthy approach,” Mitzel said. “Offering healthy options and working with dietitians on their goals — whether it’s weight loss or weight gain — everybody has the right to good and bad choices. They may be old, but they still have that right as an individual.” Will Peterson, senior executive director at Atria Hearthstone, offered similar advice, saying that while he and his care staff are not doctors, they do try to encourage healthy eating options among the residents. “We do offer smaller slices of pie in addition to the sugarfree, because sometimes they just don’t want that. But on the other side, we have some peo-
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Brett Eakes, director of culinary services at Atria Hearthstone in Topeka, says the senior living community has a registered dietitian who helps with its menus, as well as a house dietitian in Louisville, Ky., who maintains its menus. ple who can have as much as they want whenever they want, so it’s a hard balance to stay healthy,” Peterson said. “It’s a challenge. It really is. And food is very important, sometimes it’s most important, and is al-
ways an early topic when discussing residency.” The kitchens at Atria and The Windsor operate on a rotating menu: different options each day for about four to six weeks, with different seasonal menus.
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Kelly Langley, chef at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, prepares supper for the residents of the Topeka retirement community. Eakes said Atria switched to its fall menu on Oct. 1. “Food is a big part of their day. They thrive on it, and you’re only as good as your last meal,” Eakes said. “So we want to make sure the meals
are good.” Another option for those 60 years and older is the CHAMPSS meal service coordinated by Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging. JAAA offers home care, respite care, transportation services and a variety of food services, including the CHAMPSS program. CHAMPSS — Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors — is an alternative to traditional congregate meal sites, said Susan Harris, executive director at JAAA. The agency provides cards that are pre-loaded with meals to seniors. The cards can be swiped for one meal a day at participating locations. A donation of $3 per day is requested, but Harris said it’s not required. In Topeka, seniors can use CHAMPSS cards at Dillons and Hy-Vee stores, as well as Millennium Cafe and Kanza Cafe. About 4,000 people utilize the CHAMPSS program, which has been in effect for six years. Contact reporter Savanna Maue at (785) 295-5621 or @CJFoodFun or @ SavannaMaue on Twitter.
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Pets provide companionship, comfort to seniors
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By Steve Fry
steve.fry@cjonline.com
Residents of senior retirement homes who have pets live longer than residents who don’t, said Andrea Graham, executive director of Arbor Court Retirement Community in Topeka. God has his hand in the relationship between senior residents and their pets, said Graham, who also is administrator of Arbor Court facilities in Salina and Lawrence. “They have to have a purpose,” she said, explaining how residents make sure their pet gets fed, watered and cared for. “Owning a pet gives them something to think about other than themselves and their woes,” added Linda Clements, director of business development at the Arbor Court independent living community at 4200 S.W. Drury Lane. Dee Tappan, a 75-year-old resident at Thornton Place, an independent living home at 2901
Owning a pet gives them something to think about other than themselves and their woes.”
Linda Clements, director of business development at Arbor Court Retirement Community in Topeka
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Vic Vickers, a 95-year-old resident of Thornton Place in Topeka, likes to play with Dog, a 3-year-old female dachshund he got about six months ago. S.W. Armstrong Ave., said she’s always had a pet.
“A house is not a home without an animal,” Tappan said while
holding Kiki Two. Kiki Two is a polydactyl cat, also known as a Hemingway cat, which has extra toes, usually on the front feet. A regular cat has five toes on each front foot and four on each back foot. Kiki Two is a gray domestic tabby with six toes on each front foot and five or six on each back foot. The name “Hemingway cat” refers to author Ernest Hemingway, who collected polydactyl cats. His cats’ offspring survive at the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum in Key West, Fla. Tappan and her 83-year-old husband, Arlen Tappan, moved into Thornton Place about eight months ago, shortly after their dog died. Then, Kiki One — also a Hemingway cat — died in August. When Dee Tappan called
Helping Hands Humane Society to inquire about adopting a pet, she told the call taker she wanted a Hemingway cat. The woman at the humane society laughed, saying they had a Hemingway cat. “She sleeps on the bed next to me,” Tappan said of her furry pet. Vic Vickers, a 95-year-old Thornton Place resident, was 10 years old when he got his first dog — a fox terrier named Troubles — from his grandfather. Vickers now has a 3-year-old female dachshund simply named “Dog,” which he got about six months ago. Earlier, he had a male dachshund for 12 years. “Dogs have been a big part of my life,” Vickers said. “They’ve always been very important to me.” Dog sleeps in a recliner next to
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Vickers’ recliner. Three or four times a day, Vickers, who rides in a power scooter, takes Dog outside. His neighbors also enjoy petting her. Kiki Two and Dog were adopted from the Helping Hands Humane Society, which sometimes brings puppies to the facility for residents to enjoy, said Todd Halvorson, Thornton Place assistant general manager. At Thornton Place, 15 or 16 people have pets, including a woman who soon will be obtaining a parakeet, Halvorson said. The pet owners sometimes gather to talk about their animals. “I think it’s great,” Halvorson said. At Arbor Court, Graham said, the close relationship between pet and owner cuts both ways. She remembered a 102-yearold resident, who became ill and had to be hospitalized, and how the staff cared for the woman’s two cats. The cats became ill while their owner was away. “I think the animals become connected with the owner,” Graham said. “Definitely,” Clements agreed. Graham recalled how she had a tiny puppy she doubted would survive, and how an 84-year-old reclusive resident would hand-feed the Maltese-Yorkie mix, named Macie. “She would rock the dog back and forth until she and the dog fell asleep,” Graham said. When the woman eventually was un-
able to walk, Graham took Macie to visit the very ill woman. The dog crawled up next to her. “You could see life come back to her eyes,” Graham said of the woman. “There was just a connection.” About two years ago, a Bichon Frise named Willie played a part in locating a resident who walked away from the facility, Clements said. At about 10:30 p.m., Willie’s owner took him outside for water and spotted another resident, a woman in her 90s who suffered dementia, walking toward S.W. Gage along 15th Street. “It probably saved her life,” Clements said. There are limits on the type of pets that can live at Arbor Court, including dogs who bark too much and overly aggressive animals. Its pet policy says the dog or cat has to weigh 15 pounds or less, be vaccinated, stay in the owner’s apartment and be on a leash or in a carrier when outside the apartment. Owners are responsible for the care of their animals, and the owner has to pay a one-time, non-refundable pet fee of $500. Halvorson said Thornton Place has a monthly pet fee, but doesn’t have a size limit, citing a resident’s well-trained German shepherd. Contact reporter Steve Fry at (785) 295-1206 or @ TCJCourtsNCrime on Twitter.
Couch potatoes? Not for these active seniors By Samantha Foster
samantha.foster@cjonline.com
Many Topeka-area retirement and senior care communities are increasingly dedicated to offering a range of activities for their residents. Day trips, classes and learning opportunities keep seniors entertained and help them stay connected with the wider community in which they live. Cindee Williams, senior marketing associate at McCrite Plaza Topeka, 1608-1610 S.W. 37th St., said residents there might attend a dinner theater at New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park or a Kansas City Royals baseball game; participate in Topeka activities, such as First Friday Art Walk, Sunflower Music Festival or Huff ‘n Puff balloon rally; or visit smaller nearby communities like Vassar that offer live music or dinner theaters. McCrite residents also have gone on several tours to see the progress of downOFF THE COUCH continues on 23
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Bobbie Knight, a resident of Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence, gets her photo taken by Amber Vaughn, the activities coordinator at the senior living community, during a bus trip to Grinter’s Sunflower Farm, east of Lawrence.
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SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS
Senior communities adapt to changing needs of residents By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
Senior living communities frequently make changes — from the building of condominiums to giving a fresh look to independent and assisted living options to expanding skilled nursing and rehabilitation units. But they also are focused on the horizon, when they will be called upon to meet the needs of an aging baby-boomer population looking for hospitality and resort-like surroundings rather than dorm rooms when considering retirement and elder care. Claudia Larkin, vice president and chief operating officer at Brewster Place, said the Topeka retirement community is “repositioning” itself for the next generation with the construction of Cottonwood Villas, which features a full-service spa, restaurant and lounge, cultural arts center, art gallery and other amenities. “Brewster has always been known for
quality care, but we’re heading toward a culture of hospitality,” Larkin said. “Resort-style living with services — this will be the future.” Brewster Place has already embraced the Main Street concept, where residents can find a bistro, ATM banking, chapel, exercise room and hair salon within a short stroll. Ben Leiker, business operations manager at The Healthcare Resort of Topeka, said that senior community has a resortlike feel with its hair salon, movie theater, patio with fire pit, golf putting green and chef-prepared meals. And while those features may be a draw for potential residents, Leiker said the goal of the community still remains the same — to create a home where seniors can feel secure and cared for. “It’s great to have all of these amenities,” Leiker said, “but we’re really about taking care of people.” Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.
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The age-in-place villas being built by Aldersgate Village in Topeka feature kitchens with slideback drawers under the sink and handicap-accessible appliances.
SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS
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Area senior communities build, remodel By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
VILLAGE COOPERATIVE OF LAWRENCE LAWRENCE
For active seniors age 62 and older who want to own a home but not have to deal with its maintenance, Village Cooperative of Lawrence might be the answer. Sales manager Cathie Rodkey said the occupant-owned, 4 1/2-acre housing development on Lawrence’s west edge is still under construction but is taking reservations and expected to be open by year’s end. The secure cooperative features 52 one- and two-bedroom homes that have appliances, a laundry room, storage area and deck or patio. Residents also can take advantage of its community room with kitchen, club room with bar, raised garden beds, exercise room, two guest
suites and underground heated parking garage, craft room, workshop and car wash. The cooperative also offers While You Are Away Services, such as watering plants, forwarding mail and checking thermostats while residents are on extended trips. villagecooperative.com
MONTEREY VILLAGE LAWRENCE
Treating residents, their loved ones and employees as family is the customer-service model used by Americare-owned Monterey Village. The 20-acre campus at 3901 Peterson Road, which opened Jan. 18, is comprised of 30 assisted living apartments, 16 private and semi-private memory care apartments and 14 independent living cottages. The assisted living unit includes a spa, beauty salon, 26-seat movie theater, library, exercise area, dining room
and patio. The secured memory care unit, called The Arbors, has many of the same amenities. The one- and two-bedroom cottages feature a full kitchen with appliances, heated floors, screened-in porches and a nearby clubhouse. Jack Wigoda, corporate sales specialist/assisted living division, said the senior community is phase 1 of a project that eventually will include additional duplexes and expansion of the existing memory care community. “It’s a $11.6 million commitment,” Wigoda said. In addition to the Lawrence development, Americare will be opening facilities in Manhattan and St. Joseph, Mo. americareusa.net/senior_living/Lawrence_ KS/zip_66049/americare/15342
COTTONWOOD VILLAS AT BREWSTER PLACE TOPEKA
When Brewster Place decided to
expand its senior independent living community, its administrators sought input for its design from those most likely to live there. The result is Cottonwood Villas, a 14-villa complex at S.W. Lincoln and 31st streets. Construction started in early August and is expected to be done by August 2018. The complex will feature one- and two-bedroom villas with 9-foothigh ceilings, dens, wall-mounted ovens/microwave ovens, full-size washer/dryers, zero-entry showers, up to 2 1/2 baths and balconies, as well as access to courtyards, under-building parking, an exercise room and a safe room. “Eleven villas are already sold,” said Claudia Larkin, vice president and chief operating officer. Future development calls for the building of an indoor spa/pool, restaurant and lounge, cultural arts center, greenhouse and parking garage. Larkin said the total cost of the project,
which will be finished in late 2019 or early 2020, is estimated at $22.5 million. brewsterliving.org
ALDERSGATE VILLAGE TOPEKA
Aldersgate Village has a new look. The lobby, dining room and kitchen at its independent living Manchester Lodge have been remodeled and six new agein-place villas have been built on the campus at 7220 S.W. Asbury Drive. Renessa Lolley, director of sales and marketing, said the Manchester Lodge kitchen has new appliances and was reconfigured to make it more functional, while new furniture and flooring were installed in the dining room and half-walls removed to make it wheelchair-accessible. The lobby’s decor includes new REMODEL continues on 12
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SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS
Remodel: Residents seek quality living arrangements Continued from 11
furnishings, a large-screen TV and mosaic tile on the fireplace. The open-space-concept villas feature kitchens with handicapaccessible appliances, zero-entry showers, a garage, covered patio and laundry. The villas also have caretaker suites or a thirdbedroom that could alternately be used for an office or dining room. “There’s only two villas left,” Lolley said. “The rest are booked.” aldersgatevillage.org
THE HEALTHCARE RESORT OF TOPEKA TOPEKA
The name of this west Topeka senior care community reflects its goal: the successful pairing of quality health care and the personalized hospitality of a resort. The Healthcare Resort, which opened in August 2016 at 6300 S.W. 6th Ave., has 70 beds in its short-term
rehab/long-term care units and 24 beds in its assisted living wing. The facility also provides respite care. “We want to create a warm environment that focuses on the patient and their family,” said Ben Leiker, business operations manager. The entrance to The Healthcare Resort features a receptionist’s desk, bistro and lounge area under circular chandeliers. Nearby are a therapy gym, pub, patio with fire pit, hair salon and spa with jetted tub. The long-term care and rehab wings offer private and semi-private room options, a satellite kitchen, dining room and commons area with TVs. The second floor features assisted living apartments, a dining room with kitchen, a pub and movie theater. thehealthcareresorttopeka.com
MEADOWLARK HILLS MANHATTAN
Recognized worldwide for its person-centered approach to se-
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The remodeled bedrooms at Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan have new carpeting and ceiling fans. The walls and trim have been repainted. nior living, Meadowlark Hills is continually updating its facilities and planning for the future, said Sarah Duggan, community relations director. Within the past year or so, two independent liv-
ing cottages were built; the Pizazz Hair and Body Boutique added a new sink, flooring, paint and decor; and the Prairie Star Restaurant received new paint, wallpaper and a collapsible glass wall.
Remodeling efforts are underway to expand Verna Bell’s Cafe and construct an outdoor courtyard. Its main building at 2121 Meadowlark Road has received new interior paint and carpeting, and future plans include expanding its fitness center. The main building also features a pool room, library, game room, pub and movie theater. On its grounds is Bayer Pond, which has a gazebo, fishing dock and trails. Meadowlark Hills, with about 350 residents, offers independent, assisted living and skilled nursing living options, post-acute recovery care, dementia care/memory support, long-term care and home health care services. meadowlark.org
STONEYBROOK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MANHATTAN Stoneybrook
Retirement
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Community, 2025 Little Kitten Ave., and Homestead of Manhattan, 1923 Little Kitten Ave., are among the Midwest Health Inc. facilities in Kansas that are being “refreshed.” New paint and flooring and updated furnishings and furniture are among the changes being made “to create a home-like atmosphere and to accommodate accessibility and comfort,” said designer Dani Lang-Shaw. “There’s a slew of refresh projects underway. I’m working on eight to 10 now.” Lang-Shaw said a priority is creating a mood that is appropriate for the use of the room. For example, bright colors can enhance an exercise room while dark colors can add to the confusion of memory care patients. Stoneybrook offers nursing care, rehabilitation and assisted living, while Homestead is an assisted living community. Jared Holroyd, vice president of sales and marketing, said other Midwest Health projects include refreshing Homestead of Topeka and the construction of the Ranch House, a skilled nursing and assisted living fa-
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Residents of Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan can fish from a dock at nearby Bayer Pond. The pond also has a gazebo and trails. cility in Garden City. midwest-health.com
ASCENSION LIVING — VIA CHRISTI VILLAGE MANHATTAN
Ascension Living — Via Christi Village has undergone an extensive facelift over the past year. Most stunning at the assisted living, independent living and
long-term care/acute rehab community at 2800 Willow Grove Road is the installation of a massive stained glass window in its chapel. The 1930s-era window, which depicts St. Joseph holding the child Jesus, was purchased from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Erie, Pa. Brandan Rose, director of health care sales and marketing, said the former window was clear glass with
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An area at Village Cooperative of Lawrence allows residents to gather for socializing in front of a warm fireplace. a decal of Jesus at its top. Other changes being made at Ascension Living — Via Christi Village include new interior wall paint, light fixtures and flooring; new coordinating beds and medical carts; roof renovation; refreshing of its receptionist area; new parking lot; 93 new long-term beds; and an art wall featuring
works by residents or their family members. “We’re trying to brighten everything up,” said Skyler Odgers, director of facilities. “When I first started here (a year ago), everything looked the same — sterile and a hospital look. We’re not (a hospital). It’s (the residents’) home.” ascensionliving.org/find-a-commu ascensionliving.org/find-a-community
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Medicare or Medicaid Staff gives medications Onsite medical facilities Emergency cord/pendant Additional services Outdoor space Kitchens/refrigerators Private bathroom Furniture provided Meals provided Special diet accommodations Nonprofit Onsite pharmacy Beauty salon/barber shop Pets allowed Onsite banking Community computers Deaf/hearing impaired accommodations Elevators Onsite exercise facility Flexible lease terms Flexible scheduling for activities/meals Religious services Secure facility Transportation provided Wheelchair accessible Library Planned outings Planned social activities
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TANGLEWOOD HEALTH & REHABILITATION
ROSE VILLA
ROLLING HILLS ASSISTED LIVING
PLAZA WEST CARE CENTER
MCCRITE PLAZA-TOPEKA
MARTIN CREEK PLACE
MANORCARE HEALTH SERVICES-TOPEKA
LEXINGTON PARK INDEPENDENT LIVING
LEXINGTON PARK HEALTH & REHAB
LEXINGTON PARK ASSISTED LIVING
LEGEND AT CAPITAL RIDGE
LEGACY ON 10TH AVENUE
LANDMARK PLAZA APARTMENTS
HOUSE 2 OF TOPEKA
KELLY HOUSE 1 OF TOPEKA AND KELLY
HOMESTEAD OF TOPEKA
BROOKSIDE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
BROOKDALE TOPEKA
BREWSTER PLACE
ATRIA HEARTHSTONE
ARBOR VALLEY SENIOR HOMES
AT TOPEKA
ARBOR COURT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
ALDERSGATE VILLAGE
TOPEKA AREA
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WESTY COMMUNITY CARE HOME AND WESTY ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS
STONEYBROOK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
MEADOWLARK HILLS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
GARDEN GROVE SENIOR APARTMENTS
MANHATTAN
L AW R E N C E A R E A ASCENSION LIVING — VIA CHRISTI VILLAGE
VINTAGE PARK
VILLAGE COOPERATIVE
THE WINDSOR OF LAWRENCE
SIGNAL RIDGE VILLAS
PIONEER RIDGE HEALTH & REHAB
NEUVANT HOUSE OF LAWRENCE
MONTEREY VILLAGE
MEADOWLARK ESTATES
TERM AND REHABILITATION
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR LONG
INDEPENDENT LIVING
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR
ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR
COMFORTCARE HOMES OF BALDWIN CITY
BRANDON WOODS AT ALVAMAR
BABCOCK PLACE
AT ALVAMAR
ARBOR COURT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
TOPEKA PRESBYTERIAN MANOR
THORNTON PLACE
THE HEALTHCARE RESORT OF TOPEKA
THE FIRST APARTMENTS (FORMERLY FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH APARTMENTS)
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RETIREMENT DIRECTORY
TOPEKA AREA
ALDERSGATE VILLAGE
Type of facility: Independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing Address: 7220 S.W. Asbury Drive Admissions contact: Kelly Stevenson Phone number: (785) 478-9440 Website: www.aldersgatevillage.org Email: info@aldersgatevillage.org; kkuhn@aldersgatevillage.org Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies per unit No. of homes/beds: 196 skilled, 60 assisted living, 174 independent living Levels of care: All levels of care Admission waiting period: Depends on census Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Starts at $2,000 per month and up, depending on unit size; independent living studios and two- and three-bedroom units
ARBOR COURT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY AT TOPEKA
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 4200 S.W. Drury Lane Admissions contact: Linda Clements Phone number: (785) 273-6847 Website: www.arborcourt-topeka.com Email: linda.clements@healthmarkgroup.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 13 staff to 60 residents (9-10 staff at a time) No. of homes/beds: 58 Levels of care: No medical staff, but have a couple of private duty nurses available for hire by residents; housekeeping; independent plus Admission waiting period: Openings, typically full Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Studios start at $1,600; one-bedroom unit starts at $1,850; two-bedroom unit starts at $2,150
ARBOR VALLEY SENIOR HOMES
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1300 S.W. Pin Oak Parkway Admissions contact: Norma Perry Phone number: (785) 380-6812 Website: http://listings.mdiproperties.com/apartments/ ks/topeka/arbor-valley-senior-homes-0/index.aspx Email: arborvalley@mdiproperties.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 88 townhomes Levels of care: No medical staff Admission waiting period: Full, waiting list Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Two-bedroom, $960; three-bedroom, $1,260
ATRIA HEARTHSTONE
Type of facility: Assisted living, independent living, memory care Address: 3415 S.W. 6th Ave. Admissions contact: Ed Roach Phone number: (785) 234-6225 Website: www.atriaseniorliving.com/retirement-communities/atria-hearthstone-topeka-ks E-mail: Edward.roach@atriaseniorliving.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 239 apartments Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living, memory care Admission waiting period: 95-percent occupied Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Starts at $3,000
BREWSTER PLACE
Type of facility: Retirement living Address: 1205 S.W. 29th St. Admissions contact: Nancy Park; Chris Gallagher Phone number: (785) 274-3314; (785) 274-3351 Website: www.brewsterliving.org Email: nancy.park@brewsterliving.org Staff-to-resident ratio: 350 staff to 400 residents No. of homes/beds: 354 apartments and beds Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living, longterm care, rehab Admission waiting period: Depends on type of residence selected Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies depending on size
BROOKDALE TOPEKA
Type of facility: Memory care Address: 5800 S.W. Drury Lane Admissions contact: Dava Jones Phone number: (785) 271-5100 Website: www.brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdale-topeka.html Email: djones6@brookdale.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 7 residents No. of homes/beds: 35 apartments Levels of care: Specialized memory care Admission waiting period: Less than 30 days Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies, contact representative
BROOKSIDE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Type of facility: Assisted living, nursing care, independent living, home-plus memory care, in-house skilled rehab, outpatient rehab Address: 700 W. 7th, Overbrook Admissions contact: Karen Peters Phone number: (785) 665-7124 Website: www.brooksideks.com Email: Kpeters@brooksideks.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 72 skilled nursing beds Levels of care: Assisted living, skilled nursing Admission waiting period: Depends on census Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $202 for private room per day; $182 for semi-private room per day
HOMESTEAD OF TOPEKA
Type of facility: Assisted Living Address: 5820 S.W Drury Lane Admissions contact: Amanda Nipps Phone number: (785) 272-2200 Website: www.midwest-health.com/topeka/ Email: anipps@midwest-health.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 37 Levels of care: Assisted living, memory care, end-of-life care Admission waiting period: 2 to 4 months Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $4,500$6,500
KELLY HOUSE 1 OF TOPEKA AND KELLY HOUSE 2 OF TOPEKA
Type of facility: Dementia/Alzheimer’s residential care Address: K2 - 1800 S.W. Fairmont; K1 - 2111 S.W. Randolph
RETIREMENT DIRECTORY Admissions contact: Nicole Koehn Phone number: (785) 271-9594 Website: www.midwest-health.com/kelly-house-topeka/ Email: nkoehn@kellyhouseoftopeka.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 2 staff for 10 residents No. of homes/beds: 10 beds, 8 rooms, 2 are shared Levels of care: All levels of dementia/Alzheimer’s through end of life Admission waiting period: About 3 to 6 months Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $5,125 for private room, $3,850 for shared room
LANDMARK PLAZA APARTMENTS
Type of facility: Retirement home Address: 1000 S. Kansas Ave. Admissions contact: Kimberley Gray Phone number: (785) 233-5769 Website: www.ymcorp.com/landmark-plaza Email: kgray@ymcorp.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 82 units Levels of care: N/A Admission waiting period: Waiting list Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Onebedroom unit, $677; efficiency rooms, $598; based on income; eight disabled-capable units
LEGACY ON 10TH AVENUE Type of facility: Long-term care Address: 2015 S.E. 10th Ave. Admissions contact: Mike Boyd Phone number: (785) 215-8163 Website: N/A Email: mike@legacyon10th.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 82 Levels of care: Skilled nursing Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: N/A
LEGEND AT CAPITAL RIDGE
Type of facility: Assisted living Address: 1931 S.W. Arvonia Place Admissions contact: Courtney Roll Phone number: (785) 272-9400 Website: www.legendseniorliving.com/location/Legend%20at%20Capital%20Ridge Email: courtney.roll@legendseniorliving.com No. of homes/beds: 66 (51 assisted living, 15 memory care) Levels of care: Assisted living, memory care Admission waiting period: Waiting list for memory care Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Memory care starts at $5,160; assisted living starts at $3,300, goes up based on floor plan/level of care
LEXINGTON PARK ASSISTED LIVING
Type of facility: Assisted living Address: 1021 S.W. Fleming Court Admissions contact: Ben Rigdon Phone number: (785) 440-0399 Website: www.midwest-health.com/lexington-park Email: brigdon@lexingtonparkcommunity.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 52 apartments Levels of care: All levels
Admission waiting period: Depends on census Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Studio and one-bedroom, varies by level of care
LEXINGTON PARK HEALTH & REHAB
Type of facility: Nursing care Address: 1031 S.W. Fleming Court Admissions contact: Michelle Hunter Phone number: (785) 440-0500 Website: www.midwest-health.com/lexington-parkhealth-rehab Email: mhunter@lexingtonparkcommunity.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 90 beds, including 60 long-term care Levels of care: Level II and III Admission waiting period: Depends on census Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Averages $283 per day for private room; $264 for semi-private room
LEXINGTON PARK INDEPENDENT LIVING
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1011 S.W. Cottonwood Court Admissions contact: Crystal Reuter Phone number: (785) 273-4545 Website: www.midwest-health.com Email: creuter@lexingtonparkcommunity.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 60 Levels of care: N/A Admission waiting period: Depends on availability Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $1,975 to $3,275 for studio to two-bed deluxe
MANORCARE HEALTH SERVICES-TOPEKA Type of facility: Nursing care Address: 2515 S.W. Wanamaker Road Admissions contact: Kacey Cattoor Phone number: (785) 271-6808 Website: www.hcr-manorcare.com Email: Topeka@manorcare.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Depends on census No. of homes/beds: 102 beds Levels of care: Acute rehabilitation, long-term care Admission waiting period: Less than 24 hours Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies depending on room and services
MARTIN CREEK PLACE
Type of facility: Retirement community Address: 4950 S.W. Huntoon Admissions contact: Misty Edwards Phone number: (785) 273-2944 Website: http://martincreek.net Email: misty@lutherplace.kscoxmail.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 41 apartments, 80 townhomes Levels of care: No medical staff Admission waiting period: Waiting list for 12 months Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Onebedroom apartment, $644; two-bedroom apartment, $734; one-bedroom townhome, $699; two-bedroom townhome, $799; electricity and gas not included
MCCRITE PLAZA-TOPEKA
Type of facility: Independent living, independent
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living with home health, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation services Address: 1608-1610 S.W. 37th Admissions contact: Cindee Williams, Kelsie Dawson, Tina Potter Phone number: (785) 267-2960 Website: www.mccriteplaza.com/communities/mccriteplaza-topeka Email: cwilliams@mccriteretirement.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 135 beds, 80 beds in health care center Levels of care: Independent living, independent living with home health, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation
RETIREMENT DIRECTORY
Admission waiting period: Determined by availability Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Studio independent living, $1,945; goes up from there, includes housekeeping and activities
Admission waiting period: Varies Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $221 per day for nursing facility hospital rooms/semi-private rooms; $251 per day for private rooms
PLAZA WEST CARE CENTER
ROLLING HILLS ASSISTED LIVING
Type of facility: Nursing care Address: 1570 S.W. Westport Drive Admissions contact: David Taylor Phone number: (785) 271-6700 Website: http://plazawestcare.com Email: d_taylor@plazawestcare.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies on census No. of homes/beds: 151 beds Levels of care: Contact admissions director
Type of facility: Assisted living Address: 2410 S.W. Urish Road Admissions contact: Tammy Blake, Shannon Elliott Phone number: (785) 273-2202 Website: www.midwest-health.com/rolling-hills Email: tblake@rollinghills-health.com; selliott@ rollinghills-health.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 15 residents
No. of homes/beds: 30 apartments Levels of care: Services meet individual needs Admission waiting period: Waiting list Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $3,950 to $4,800
ROSE VILLA
Type of facility: Residential care for veterans Address: 2075 S.W. Fillmore St. Admissions contact: Jay Nichols Phone number: (785) 232-0671 Website: www.rosevilla.us Email: rosevilla@rosevilla.kscoxmail.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 20 residents No. of homes/beds: 3 homes, 60 beds
RETIREMENT DIRECTORY Levels of care: Assisted living Admission waiting period: 1 to 2 weeks Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $2,100 for semi-private room; $2,525 for private room
TANGLEWOOD HEALTH & REHABILITATION
Type of facility: Nursing care, retirement home Address: 5015 S.W. 28th St. Admissions contact: Jennifer Gabel Phone number: (785) 217-1523 Website: www.tanglewoodhealthand rehabilitation.com Email: wm-busdev@healthmarkgroup.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 9 residents No. of homes/beds: 54 Levels of care: Skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, palliative care Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $4,692 to $5,735
THE FIRST APARTMENTS (FORMERLY FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH APARTMENTS) Type of facility: Independent living Address: 3805 S.W. 18th St. Admissions contact: Amy Crow, Angela Gast Phone number: (785) 272-6700 Website: www.thefirstapartments.org Email: fccaoffice@fcctopeka.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 118 Levels of care: No medical care Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Studios, $387; one-bedroom unit, $501; expanded one-bedroom unit, $581
THE HEALTHCARE RESORT OF TOPEKA
Type of facility: Skilled nursing, assisted living, longterm care Address: 6300 S.W. 6th Ave. Admissions contact: Amanda Fenton Phone number: (785) 230-0885 Website: thehealthcareresorttopeka.com Email: afenton@thehealthcareresort.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 6 residents No. of homes/beds: 70 skilled nursing/long-term care beds, 24 assisted living apartments Levels of care: Post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term care Admission waiting period: None Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $3,700$4,700, depends on care packages
THORNTON PLACE
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 2901 S.W. Armstrong Ave. Admissions contact: Tabitha Petefish Phone number: (785) 228-0555 Website: www.holidaytouch.com/our-communities/ thornton-place#floorplans Email: tabitha.petefish@holidaytouch.com No. of homes/beds: 112 Levels of care: N/A Admission waiting period: Immediate openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $1,600 to $3,400
TOPEKA PRESBYTERIAN MANOR
Type of facility: Continuing care retirement community Address: 4712 S.W. 6th Ave. Admissions contact: Chelsea Watgen Phone number: (785) 272-6510 Website: www.topekapresbyterianmanor.org Email: cwatgen@pmma.org Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies depending on level of living No. of homes/beds: 51 independent living, 61 assisted living, 74 healthcare/LTC, 16 PATH rehabilitation Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living, health care center/LTC, post-acute to home rehabilitation (PATH) Admission waiting period: Depends on availability Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies depending on level of living; contact marketing for specifics
LAWRENCE AREA
ARBOR COURT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY AT ALVAMAR
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1510 St. Andrews Drive Admissions contact: Tracy Harmon Phone number: (785) 813-8454, (785) 841-6845 Website: www.arborcourt-lawrence.com Email: info@arborcourt.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 9 full-time employees with 12 support staff No. of homes/beds: 62 apartments Levels of care: Independent, catered living with the option to add in any level of care through onsite Midland Care or offsite healthcare group Admission waiting period: No waiting period Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $1,525$1,825 for studios, $2,050-$2,150 for one-bedroom, $2,475-$2,675 for two-bedroom
BABCOCK PLACE
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1700 Massachusetts St. Admissions contact: Lori Dalrymple Phone number: (785) 842-8358 Website: www.ldcha.org/properties/babcock.html Email: ldalrymple@ldcha.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 120 units Levels of care: Independent living Admission waiting period: Waiting list Monthly cost per apartment/room type: 30 percent of monthly gross income; studio, one-bedroom and twobedroom units
BRANDON WOODS AT ALVAMAR
Type of facility: Independent living, assisted living, nursing care, rehabilitation Address: 1501 Inverness Drive Admissions contact: Tom Pfeiler Phone number: (785) 838-8000 Website: www.fivestarseniorliving.com/communities/ ks/lawrence/brandon-woods-at-alvamar Email: jmaddox@5ssl.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 140 skilled nursing beds, 76 townhomes, 82 apartments, 37 assisted living units Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living,
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RETIREMENT DIRECTORY memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation Admission waiting period: Assisted living full, openings elsewhere Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Apartments, $2,423 to $3,930; assisted living, $3,727 to $5,066
COMFORTCARE HOMES OF BALDWIN CITY
Type of facility: Nursing care Address: 813 8th St., Baldwin City Admissions contact: General office Phone number: (785) 594-2603 Website: www. comfortcareks.com Email: walt@comfortcareks.com Staff-to-resident ratio: 1 staff to 5 residents No. of homes/beds: 2 homes with 22 beds Levels of care: Specialized memory care Admission waiting period: Depends on census Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Private and semi-private
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
Type of facility: Assisted living, memory care Address: 1429 Kasold Drive Admissions contact: Angela Fonseca Phone number: (785) 841-4262 Website: www.lawrencepresbyterianmanor.org Email: afonseca@pmma.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 25 (16 assisted living and 9 memory care) Admission waiting period: Varies Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies, call for details
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1429 Kasold Drive Admissions contact: Angela Fonseca Phone number: (785) 841-4262 Website: www.lawrencepresbyterianmanor.org Email: afonseca@pmma.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 73 Admission waiting period: Varies Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies, call for details
LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN MANOR LONG TERM AND REHABILITATION
Type of facility: Long-term care and skilled/rehabilitation Address: 1429 Kasold Drive Admissions contact: Angela Fonseca Phone number: (785) 841-4262 Website: www.lawrencepresbyterianmanor.org Email: afonseca@pmma.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 40 Admission waiting period: Varies Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies, call for details
MEADOWLARK ESTATES Type of facility: Retirement community
Address: 4430 Bauer Farm Drive Admissions contact: Ky and Stephanie McElhaney Phone number: (785) 371-0314 Website: www.seniorlivinginstyle.com/retirement_community/Lawrence_KS/zip_66049/hawthorn_retirement_group/4397 Email: meadowlarkestates@hawthornret.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 125 apartments Levels of care: No medical care Admission waiting period: None Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Starts at $1,795 for a studio
MONTEREY VILLAGE
Address: 3901 Peterson Road Admissions contact: Jack Wigoda Phone number: (785) 371-9160 Website: www.americareusa.net Email: monterey@americareusa.net Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 30 assisted living, 22 memory care, 14 cottages, four duplexes, two triplexes Levels of care: None, all-inclusive pricing Admission waiting period: N/A Monthly cost per apartment/room type: All-inclusive pricing, no tier pricing
NEUVANT HOUSE OF LAWRENCE
Type of facility: Nursing care, assisted living Address: 1216 Biltmore Drive Admissions contact: Emily Hilding Phone number: (785) 856-7900 Website: www.neuvanthouse.com Email: admin@neuvanthouse.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Appropriate staffing to meet resident needs No. of homes/beds: 28 apartments Levels of care: Memory care, assisted living Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies based on care and room size
PIONEER RIDGE HEALTH & REHAB
Type of facility: Independent living, assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation Address: 4851 Harvard Road Admissions contact: N/A Phone number: (785) 749-2000 Website: www.midwest-health.com/pioneer-ridgehealth-rehab Email: abell@pioneer-ridge.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 76 rehab/health care, 60 assisted living, 77 independent living Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term care Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $2,400 and up
SIGNAL RIDGE VILLAS
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 807 Deer Ridge Court, Baldwin City Admissions contact: Janelle Butts Phone number: (785) 594-3794 Website: N/A
RETIREMENT DIRECTORY Email: janellebutts@yahoo.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 32 units Levels of care: N/A Admission waiting period: N/A Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $510 to $600
THE WINDSOR OF LAWRENCE
Type of facility: Assisted living, respite care Address: 3220 Peterson Road Admissions contact: Tiffany Engels Phone number: (785) 832-9900 Website: www.legendseniorliving.com/location/The%20 Windsor%20of%20Lawrence Email: Tiffany.engels@legendseniorliving.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: Varies Levels of care: Assisted living, memory care Admission waiting period: None Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Cost varies; studios in memory care, one-bedroom rooms and Governor’s Suite apartments in assisted living
VILLAGE COOPERATIVE
Type of facility: Independent senior housing (62+) Address: 5325 W. 6th St. Admissions contact: Cathie Rodkey Phone number: (785) 330-5041 Website: www.VillageCooperative.com Email: lawrence@reedevelopment.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 52 homes Levels of care: Independent living Admission waiting period: Under construction, accepting reservations Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies by home
VINTAGE PARK
Type of facility: Assisted living Address: 2250 S. Elm St., Ottawa Admissions contact: Tina Caruthers Phone number: (785) 242-3715 Website: www.vintageparkassistedliving.com/communities/ ottawa Email: tcaruthers@vintageparkassistedliving.com Staff-to-resident ratio: Varies No. of homes/beds: 40 units Levels of care: N/A Admission waiting period: N/A Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $3,650-$4,150; second person fee, $1,000
MANHATTAN AREA
ASCENSION LIVING — VIA CHRISTI VILLAGE MANHATTAN
Type of facility: Independent living, assisted living, nursing care Address: 2800 Willow Grove Road Admissions contact: Brandan Rose Phone number: (785) 410-4212 Website: ascensionliving.org/find-a-community/viachristi-village-manhattan-ks Email: brandan.rose@via-christi.org Staff-to-resident ratio: As required No. of homes/beds: 8 independent living villas, 36 assisted living units, 93 licensed residential care beds Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living,
skilled nursing, rehabilitation Admission waiting period: N/A Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Varies
GARDEN GROVE SENIOR APARTMENTS
Type of facility: Independent living Address: 1119 Garden Way Ave. Admissions contact: Karli Pagliughi Phone number: (785) 776-2277 Website: www.nationalchurchresidences.org Email: 0093@nationalchurchresidences.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 109 Levels of care: No medical care Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Incomebased affordable housing
MEADOWLARK HILLS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Type of facility: Independent living, assisted living, nursing care Address: 2121 Meadowlark Road Admissions contact: Kristen Martin Phone number: (785) 537-4610 Website: www.meadowlark.org Email: info@meadowlark.org Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 133 beds Levels of care: Independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, home health care Admission waiting period: N/A Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Cost varies
STONEYBROOK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Type of facility: Nursing care, rehabilitation, assisted living Address: 2025 Little Kitten Ave. Admissions contact: Nick French Phone number: (785) 776-0065 Website: midwest-health.com/stoneybrook/QdVnZ/ Email: nfrench@stoneybrook-retirement.com Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 78 Levels of care: Skilled nursing, rehabilitation Admission waiting period: Openings Monthly cost per apartment/room type: Standard semi-private room, $219-$238 per night; small private rooms, $250-$269 per night; large private rooms, $273$292 per night
WESTY COMMUNITY CARE HOME AND WESTY ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS
Type of facility: Long-term care, with a locked unit and assisted living Address: 105 N. K-99 highway, Westmoreland Admissions contact: Sarah Eisenbarth Phone number: (785) 457-2801, (785) 364-6568 (cell) Website: www.westycarehome.com Email: sarahwcch@bluevalley.net Staff-to-resident ratio: N/A No. of homes/beds: 50 bed long-term care, includes 10-bed locked unit Levels of care: All levels Admission waiting period: No Monthly cost per apartment/room type: $2,400-$5,700
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22 | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal
Person-centered care goal of many senior living providers
‘‘
By Lily Abromeit
When someone walks in and says this feels home-like, that’s what we’re looking for.”
Special to The Capital-Journal
Like many seniors, Morris Imthurn wasn’t keen on the idea of moving into an assisted living facility. But after living three years at Atria Hearthstone West, the 91-year-old has no complaints. “It’s very homey,” he said of the assisted and independent living community. “It’s very easy to get around. … The staff is very knowledgeable and very helpful.” Atria Hearthstone, 3415 S.W. 6th Ave., and many other senior living providers are working hard to make their residents feel more at home. At Atria West, residents sit comfortably on cushioned wicker furniture on the front porch. Just inside the door, books are added weekly to a shelf in the library, where more lounge chairs and subtle yellow light glows from lamps. Welcome signs, personal photos and knickknacks special to each resident decorate their apartments. “It feels like you’re sitting in someone’s living room,” said Atria executive director Will Peterson. “This is their home. When someone walks in and says this feels home-like, that’s what we’re looking for.”
WILL PETERSON, executive director of Atria Hearthstone in Topeka
CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
Morris Imthurn, right, 91, enjoys sitting on the patio with his friends at Atria Hearthstone West in Topeka. Imthurn has lived at the senior living community for three years. In the senior care industry, this is called person-centered care, said Gayle Doll, associate professor and the director of Kansas State University’s Center on Aging in Manhattan. Some senior care facilities receive incentives to provide person-centered care. Doll and her team evaluate their success based
on standards, such as personal experience, staffing and meaningful activities. Person-centered care, she said, has been found to lead to less depression, fewer bed sores and ulcers, and better control of weight gain and loss. Laci Cornelison, a research assistant
at K-State who studies person-centered and long-term care, said it’s difficult to measure person-centered care in an assisted living facility because most of the research is done in nursing homes. Residents in nursing homes usually require a higher level of care than those in assisted living communities. Still, she thinks the basic idea could be helpful. “I think the movement of person-centered care in assisted living is really necessary as well,” she said. Even though substantial research on the use of the method in senior living communities isn’t available, Peterson and his staff are working to implement personcentered care at Atria Hearthstone. “Atria really believes in the social model and not the health care model,” Peterson said. “We’re assisted living, but we really focus on the social aspect.”
The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | 23
Off the couch: Many events, outings planned for seniors Continued from 9
town Topeka’s revitalization efforts. “A lot of these residents have lived in the community all their lives, so they’ve been a part of those transitions — from downtown in its heyday, to the move to the west side of town, back to downtown,” she said. Claudia Larkin, vice president and chief operating officer at Brewster Place, said residents of the senior living community — the majority of whom are in independent living — take day trips to area sites about once a week. The facility has a vehicle that will carry 24 people. Brewster Place, 1205 S.W. 29th St., also has taken residents on overnight trips, such as recent visits to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., and Wichita,
where they visited several attractions. Trips to museums, concerts and other outings make for day trips that many residents at Meadlowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living in Lawrence wouldn’t miss, said co-manager Ky McElhaney. “They enjoy getting out and doing things,” McElhaney said. Meadowlark Estates, an independent living community at 4430 Bauer Farm Drive in Lawrence, also hosts three events per month to which it invites the public, he said. Those include buffets, dances and even tailgate parties. McCrite Plaza, too, plans musical programs and other events for families and residents who aren’t able to travel for outside events. Williams said residents enjoy a fall carnival and car show in late September,
and holiday events, including a Halloween party and an Easter egg hunt, offer opportunities for residents who don’t have family nearby to interact with other attendees. At Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 S.W. 6th Ave., sales and marketing director Chelsea Watgen said residents in a sewing group make quilts and deliver them to Helping Hands Humane Society; local churches; and the Topeka Police Department, where they are placed in patrol cars for use with children. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas in Lawrence partners with two dozen area retirement communities, including Brewster Place and Aldersgate Village in Topeka, to schedule public classes onsite. Classes also are scheduled on the campuses of
KU, Washburn University, Kansas State University and Fort Scott Community College. Osher Institute director Jim Peters said 60 classes were planned for this fall. The classes, which don’t feature homework or tests, are broken down into three weekly, two-hour sessions — enough time to drill
down into a particular topic without requiring a lengthy time commitment from participants or the instructor, Peters said. “Because most of our folks are retired, they are busy people,” he said. “This allows them to do both their regular activities as well as be able to take courses and travel and do other things.”
Class fees are kept low, with a single class costing $50. This fall’s course topics range from the history of German settlements and the Underground Railroad in Kansas to memoir writing and a review of vintage American action heroes. Contact reporter Samantha Foster at (785) 295-1186.
24 | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal
Agencies help elderly remain in their homes By Katie Moore
katie.moore@cjonline.com
Seniors like 99-year-old Evert Marsh have been able to continue living at home with the help of their family and support from area organizations. Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas Inc. delivers three meals a week to Marsh’s home. “They’ve done a great job for me,” he said. “The volunteers have been beautiful.” The nonprofit organization, which has an office at 2701 S.W. East Circle Drive South, serves about 1,000 meals a day, which includes home deliveries and congregate sites. In addition to delivering a hot meal, volunteers make sure seniors are doing OK at home. “Just as important as the meals is the safety check,” said Meals on Wheels president and CEO Heidi Pickerell. For help at home in the Topeka area, Grace Home Care offers a
range of services, including housekeeping and personal care assistance. Executive director Kate Clemmons said the locally managed company at 1835 N.W. Topeka Blvd., Suite 205, has 50 clients and 60 caregivers, and continues to grow. The company’s philosophy is to honor its clients’ decisions when it comes to where they want to age and help them live life on their terms. The Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, 2910 S.W. Topeka Blvd., directly served more than 7,800 people in Shawnee, Douglas and Jefferson counties during the past fiscal year. The organization, which provides case management and caregiver support, contracts out legal, nutritional and transportation services. JAAA also helps connect seniors with attendant care and home health aides to help with activities like dressing, bathing and housekeeping. Its information department is a comprehensive resource. “You name it, you need it — we
THAD ALLTON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
Grace Home Care offers a range of services, including housekeeping and personal care assistance, for Topeka-area seniors who need some assistance to remain in their homes. From left are Taylor Anderson, care coordinator, Lacy Ferdinand, office assistant, Kate Clemmons, executive director, and Amber Thornton, director of client services.
‘‘
You name it, you need it — we have a service for it.”
SUSAN HARRIS, executive director of Jayhawk
Area Agency on Aging in Topeka
have a service for it,” executive director Susan Harris said. An individual’s quality of life is better when the person is living where he or she wants, she noted. Living at home is also more cost-effective. The average cost of in-home care is $22 an hour. For someone who doesn’t need 24/7 care, Harris said, living at home makes more sense and allows the person to preserve resources. The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging serves 18 northcentral Kansas counties, an area with about 57,000 people age 60 or older. The agency, with its central office at 401 Houston St. in Manhattan, offers several services, including Medicare counseling and a monthly caregiver support group that is conducted by phone so anyone in Kansas can participate. Executive director Julie Govert Walter said the agency assists with maximizing resources and making decisions related to long-term planning,
The Topeka Capital-Journal | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | 25
which can be particularly helpful for relatives after a crisis hits. Area aging agencies provide objective and practical information, Walter said. Back in eastern Kansas, Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St., Suite C, in Lawrence, facilitates a wide range of services in Douglas County. The organization began serving people who were homebound nearly 50 years ago and since then has dramatically expanded its expertise, said CEO Cynthia Lewis. In addition to hospice care, its staff specializes in everything from respiratory care to wound care to social work. They’re also able to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely. Senior Wheels in Lawrence provides 50 to 60 rides a day to seniors age 60 and older in Douglas County. Coordinator Terri Clark says the Senior Resource Center program is constantly growing. Not only does the transportation service help seniors stay in their home, but its drivers also keep an eye on how riders are doing. “It’s a personal service. They’ll alert a family member if something’s not quite right,” Clark said. “Our drivers are very professional.” Contact reporter Katie Moore at (785) 295-1612.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES GENERAL SERVICES
(785) 296-5474 nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/senior-corpsprograms/fostergrandparents
Fights for health care, employment and income security, and protection from financial abuse for those age 50 and older. (866) 448-3619 states.aarp.org/region/kansas/
An organization sponsored by Stormont Vail Health for those 55 years of age and older who want to stay current on health information and health resources. (785) 354-6787 stormontvail.org/healthwise
As a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, connects individuals to services for older adults and their families. (800) 677-1116 eldercare.gov
Works to improve the quality of long-term care for the elderly at home and in nursing and assisted living facilities. (785) 842-3088; (800) 525-1782 kabc.org
AARP — Kansas Office
HealthWise 55
Eldercare Locator
Kansas Advocates for Better Care Inc.
Elderly Services: A Community Action Program
Helps low-income seniors maintain safe and independent living. (785) 235-9296 wefightpoverty.org/elderly-services/
Friendly Visitors and Ring-a-Day — Catholic Charities
Creates a caring network of community volunteers to help support older adults with limited access to community activities. (785) 233-6300, Ext. 1313, Topeka; (785) 856-2694 or (888) 737-1137, Lawrence; Ring-A-Day, (785) 232-1137
Foster Grandparents Program
Offers seniors age 55 and older opportunities to serve as mentors, tutors and caregivers for children and youth with special needs. Participants provide 15 to 40 hours of weekly service to community organizations, such as schools, hospitals and youth centers.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Fosters an environment that empowers Kansas’ older adults and individuals with disabilities to make choices about their lives, including providing information about Medicare and Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK). (800) 432-3535; (785) 296-4986 kdads.ks.gov
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Provides information on KanCare and Medicaid. (785) 296-3512; (800) 792-4884 (for KanCare questions) kdheks.gov/hcf/Medicaid/default.htm; kancare.ks.gov
Kansas Elder Law Hotline/ Kansas Legal Services
Attorneys answer questions in civil cases for Kansans age 60 or older. (888) 353-5337 kansaslegalservices.org/node/1250/services-seniors
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Kansas Foundation for Medical Care Inc. Empowers Medicare beneficiaries to be active participants in their health care. (785) 273-2552; (800) 432-0770 kfmc.org
Kansas Insurance Commission
Provides information on Medicare and long-term care. (785) 296-3071; (800) 432-2484 www.ksinsurance.org
Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Investigates and resolves complaints made by residents or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities; provides education regarding long-term care issues; and identifies concerns and advocates for needed changes in long-term care policies, laws and regulations. (785) 296-3017; (877) 662-8362 kansasombudsmanksgov.com
Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts
Offers a guide on pre-planning funeral arrangements and how to establish a memorial. (785) 296-3980 ksbma.ks.gov/
Lift Service — Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority
Provides door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities, including the non-ambulatory. (785) 783-7000 (voice or TDD) topekametro.org/riding/paratransit
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. (913) 279-7171, Atchison, Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties; (785) 296-2763, Brown, Coffey,
Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties; (620) 272-5985, Dickinson, Lyon and Saline counties; (800) 432-0043 dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Energy/EnergyAssistance. aspx
Older Kansans Employment Program
Offers individuals age 55 or older assistance in finding employment or transitioning from one job to another, proving the older worker can bring mature judgment, excellent skills, loyalty and experience working with people to the workplace. (785) 270-5248 stephanier@letshelpinc.org (email)
Project LIVELY — Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department
A care coordination program that promotes the health, independence and well-being of older adults in Douglas County. (785) 856-5353 ldchealth.org/244/Project-LIVELY
Red Carpet Library Services
Provides library materials, services and access to older adults, individuals with special needs and their caregivers through personalized, individual and customized service. Delivers these services to congregate living sites, individuals in their homes and walk-in patrons on a consistent and regularly scheduled basis. (785) 580-4400 tscpl.org/services/red-carpet
perience that will enrich the lives of volunteers through community service work and personal development. (785) 228-5124 unitedwaytopeka.org/
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Educates the public and assists consumers on topics related to Medicare and health insurance so they can make informed decisions. (800) 860-5260; (785) 232-0062 kdads.ks.gov/commissions/commission-on-aging/ medicare-programs/shick
Shawnee County Advocacy Council on Aging Serves as an advocate for older citizens by identifying their unmet needs and helping provide necessary services on a countywide basis. (785) 233-1365 crcnet.org/shawnee-county-advocacy-council-on-aging/
Topeka Jayhawk Legal Services for Seniors — Kansas Legal Services
Helps low-income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of essential legal, medication and employment training services. (800) 723-6953 kansaslegalservices.org
U.S. Social Security Administration
RSVP of Shawnee and Douglas Counties — United Way Topeka
Administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability and survivors’ benefits. (888) 327-1271, Topeka; (866) 698-2561, Lawrence; (877) 840-5741, Manhattan ssa.gov
Engages people age 55 or older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and provide a quality ex-
Shows the schools’ appreciation to district patrons for
VIP 501 Club — Topeka Public Schools USD 501
their past and continued support of public education in the community. Must be 65 years or older and reside within the boundaries of USD 501, or be 65 years or older and have one or more grandchildren enrolled in a USD 501 middle or senior high school. Retired USD 501 employees are eligible at age 62. (785) 295-3059
Westar Energy Project DESERVE
Provides emergency assistance paying energy costs for people with a severe disability (children or adults meeting Social Security disability criteria), adults 65 years or older and income-eligible households. Center of Hope, (316) 219-2121; Westar Energy, (800) 383-1183 westarenergy.com/project-deserve-assistance
AREA AGENCIES ON AGING East Central Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center
Administers and coordinates services for older adults in Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami and Osage counties. (785) 242-7200 eckaaa.org
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Inc.
Administers and coordinates services for older adults in Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties. (785) 235-1367; (800) 766-3777, TDD/TYY jhawkaaa.org
North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Inc.
Administers and coordinates services for older adults in Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, Republic, Cloud, Ottawa, Saline, Clay, Dickinson, Marion, Riley, Geary, Morris, Chase, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee and Lyon counties.
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(785) 776-9294, Manhattan; (620) 340-8001, Emporia; (785) 823-1277, Salina; (800) 432-2703 ncfhaaa.com
Rossville Senior Center
Administers and coordinates services for older adults in Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties. (785) 742-7152; (800) 883-2549 nekaaa.org
Silver Lake Senior Citizen Center
Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
Wyandotte-Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging Administers and coordinates services for older adults in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties. (913) 573-8531; (888) 661-1444 wycokck.org/aging
SENIOR CENTERS East Topeka Senior Center
Provides direct services to individuals and supports the development of systems that deliver a full range of services to senior citizens and disabled adults. (785) 232-7765 easttopekaseniors.org/
LULAC Senior Center Inc.
Provides affordable transportation and other services to senior citizens and disabled individuals in order to promote their independence and ability to live satisfying lives. (785) 234-5809; (785) 233-7498 topekalulacseniorcenter.com/
Papan’s Landing Senior Center
Provides services that will assist the elderly to remain independent and in their homes for as long as possible. (785) 232-1968 papanslanding.com/
Provides nutrition, recreation and mobility to senior citizens in the Rossville area. (785) 584-6364 Provides recreation, nutrition and mobility to senior citizens in the Silver Lake area. (785) 582-5371
MEAL DELIVERY
Friendship Meals — North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Provides meals to homebound older adults in Manhattan. (785) 776-9294 ncfhaaa.com
Friendship Meals — Ogden
Provides meals at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Ogden Community Center and delivers meals to homebound. (785) 537-0351 ogden-ks.gov/ogden-friendship-meals.htm
Lawrence Meals on Wheels
Delivers meals, including meals designed around specialized diets, to the homebound, seniors and disabled individuals in Lawrence. (785) 830-8844 lawrencemow.org
Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas Inc.
Delivers meals and provides safety checks to the homebound, seniors and disabled individuals in Shawnee and Jefferson counties. (785) 295-3980 mowks.org
Senior Resource Center for Douglas County
Provides resources, information, opportunities and advocacy for older residents of Douglas County, including meal delivery, door-to-door transportation for medical, nutritional and personal purposes, and caregiver support group. (785) 842-0543; (785) 727-7878; (877) 295-3277 yoursrc.org
arthritis.org/kansas/
VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
EDUCATION/CLASSES
Meets the health care needs of veterans at two main facilities - in Topeka and Leavenworth - and nine communitybased outpatient clinics. (620) 342-3347, Emporia; (785) 238-4522, Junction City; (785) 843-5233, Lawrence; (913) 682-2000, Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth; (785) 587-0373, Manhattan; (785) 296-3976 and (785) 670-3372, Topeka; (785) 350-4307, Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka kcva.org; topeka.va.gov
Creates accessible and innovative learning environments throughout Kansas and the greater Kansas City area, with special focus on participants age 50 and older, although anyone can participate. (785) 864-5823; (877) 404-5823 kupce.ku.edu/osher-home#
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office
DISEASE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
Northeast Kansas Parkinson Association Provides information about Parkinson’s disease and works toward improving treatment options. (785) 478-9045; (785) 272-6397 nekpa.com
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Senior Adult Program — Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Offers classes in exercise, dance and bridge. (785) 251-6800 parks.snco.us
Alzheimer’s Association — Heart of America Chapter Northeast Kansas Regional Office
CAREGIVER INFORMATION
Eliminates Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; provides and enhances care and support for all affected; and reduces the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. (785) 271-1844; (800) 272-3900 alz.org/kansascity
Works to improve the quality of life of Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or the frailties of old age. (202) 454-3970 caregiveraction.org
Arthritis Foundation — Topeka
CaringInfo — National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, and advancements in science and community connections. (785) 272-8461; (800) 362-1108
Provides free information and resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis. (800) 658-8898 caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Caregiver Action Network
28 | Sunday, October 15, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal