Sun City West / Surprise - July 2023

Beat the Heat

20 op Five

Happy Birthday America!

I love celebrating the 4th of July with my family—I savor the BBQs, music and mostly the fireworks. It’s hard to believe we’re more than half way through the year. With July 4th in the rearview, it’s time to start counting the days until cooler temperatures arrive.

This month’s issue of The Grand Season is geared to those of you caring for a loved one. Over the last three months, many people in my life have begun providing daily care for a sick family member—including my mother. My mom’s new journey has opened my eyes to a whole new world—that it is not only physically, but mentally exhausting. It’s my hope this month’s articles will remind you that you’re not alone.

Thank you for your support of The Grand Season, and the businesses that make our publication possible each month. I hope you—and your family— enjoy the secondhalf of summer and create some amazing memories.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Melissa Whitton Associate Publisher

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.

Denis Waitley

The simple act of caring is heroic.

Edward Albert

OPEN ARMS

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Leo Buscaglia

Love isn’t a perfect state of caring. It’s an active noun, like ‘struggle.’

Fred Rogers

Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.

Harold Kushner

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.

Margaret Mead

Caring about people, about things, about life is an act of maturity.

Tracy McMillan

From caring comes courage.

Lao Tzu

GET ORGANIZED

The best time to plan for your future is today. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always provide a head’s up as to when you may lose your independence—and require care from someone other than yourself or your spouse. There are many legal and health care decisions you need to make to protect yourself from others making decisions for you that you do not want. There are also documents that will protect your family and loved ones by giving them guidance in the care you would like to receive. The following is a list of some of the documents you should complete, so when you require others to care for you—your voice will be heard.

1. Advance Health Care Directive

What it does: Gives power to a person you designate to make health care decisions for you, ONLY IF you can’t speak for yourself.

• Also called Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

• Hospitals and most doctor’s offices will provide you with the form upon request.

• Often used to decide on feeding tubes, ventilators, and other treatments at the end of life or when someone is unconscious.

• Only needs to be witnessed; does not need to be notarized.

2. Last Will and Testament

What it does: Says how you want your estate (money and belongings) to be dispersed to family, friends, organizations, etc. after you die.

• Can be handwritten or completed using online forms, but necessary to be witnessed and/or notarized.

• If estate is complicated or over $100,000, it is best to have an attorney help you write the will or review what you wrote.

• In a will, you appoint someone to be the executor or administrator who will pay your final bills and see that your wishes are carried out.

3. Durable Power of Attorney for Finance

What it does: Allows someone to access your finances, e.g checking account, investments, property, in order to pay your bills.

• A Durable Power of Attorney is valid even if you are incapacitated.

• Needs to be someone you trust, as this person has a lot of control over your finances. If you don’t have someone you trust, you should consult a professional.

In a recent survey, 81% of the people said they think about these issues: however only 33% said they had completed the necessary forms. Although it is hard to talk about and think about, it is important to take care of these matters for your own sake and for the sake of your family.

BALANCING ACT

Caregiving can cause wear and tear on a marriage, especially when it’s a live-in situation. Marital strains, conflicts, tensions, and disagreements can stem from finances, less time together, stress, frustration, fatigue, and resentment. It’s hard to get along when you’re emotionally and physically exhausted from trying to balance everyone’s needs.

Maintaining your marriage while providing the best care possible for your loved one, and not losing your sanity in the process is difficult, but not impossible. The solution to protecting and nurturing your marriage while caregiving lies in patience, understanding, emotional support, and a commitment to working together. Hopefully these ideas will help you achieve a stronger, more intimate relationship than ever.

Remember, your spouse is your number one priority

Presumably, you’ll be spending the rest of your life with your spouse, long after your loved ones are gone. When your relationship is under stress, it’s important for both parties to make your marriage a priority.

Communicate

Honest communication is the key to any healthy relationship. Staying connected helps prevent misunderstandings. Talk with your spouse about how this new role is affecting your relationship and how they can support you.

Adjust your expectations

Unrealistic expectations not only set you up for disappointment, but they also set you up for guilt, bitterness, frustration, and resentment. Set reasonable and realistic expectations for both yourself and your spouse. Remember, they’re doing their best, just like you. Be kind–don’t beat yourself up. When fatigue, anxiety, or aggravation sets in, let yourself feel it. Take a nap, scream into a pillow, write it down in a journal–whatever it takes to let that feeling be felt–then let it go and move on.

Foster “we” time

Fun and romance are often the first things to fly out the window in a marriage, especially under the added stress of family caregiving. Three’s a crowd. Make sure you get some one-on-one, unchaperoned time together to reconnect. Otherwise, your partner will inevitably start to feel neglected.

Seek support

Your partner is your live-in sounding board, but constantly venting your frustrations to them isn’t fair. Connect with others in similar situations online or in-person.

Say “thank you”

Oftentimes, you as the caregiver do not receive a “thank you,” so why would your partner? Make sure your spouse knows how much you appreciate their support by expressing your gratitude.

FLASHBACK

Answers on pg. 44

1. Name the group that released, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.”

2. Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas shared a manager with which famous group?

3. Name the soul family group that released the hit song, “Too Late to Turn Back Now.”

4. Which duo launched their career when they released “Little Latin Lupe Lu”?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “Gonna run my fingers thru your long black hair, Squeeze you tighter than a grizzly bear.”

IF

Are you new to Medicare?

Unsure how health insurance will work?

Receiving Medicare & Medicaid?

Thinking about retiring?

Recently moved?

Paying too much for prescriptions?

QUESTIONS...

1. When did “Sesame Street” debut on PBS?

2. What is the name of the moon where “Avatar” takes place?

3. Which country is home to a tall rock structure called the Finger of God?

4. What was Babe Ruth’s real first name?

5. How many of Snow White’s seven dwarfs have names ending in “y”?

6. Which country did the band AC/DC come from?

7. How many books are in the primary Harry Potter novel series?

8. How many national parks are in the United States?

9. In which country was the Caesar Salad invented?

10. Where exactly in the human body is the uvula located?

Blueberry Peach Feta

FOOD SUMMER SALAD

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk vinegar, lemon zest, mustard, and salt. While whisking, slowly pour in oil until smooth and emulsified. Add shallots and whisk to combine. Add peaches, cucumbers, blueberries, and basil and toss to combine. Top with feta.

From pg. 20

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Dinner and a Movie!

Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in for your chance to win a $50 Restaurant Gift Card and 4 Movie Tickets. Answers to the clues can be found in this month’s Grand Season Ads.

Sponsored by:

June Winners!

Grand Prize Winner

Mark Dauberman Sun City

Winners of Movie Tickets

1. Dava Esman, Goodyear

2. Michaela Robledo,, Litchfield Park

3. Brian Bierman, Peoria

4. Ron McLean, Sun City

5. Miriam Dotson, Sun City West

6. Karn Lefebure, Sun City West

7. LouAnn Kosier, Surprise

8. Tom Smock, Waddell

If you have a question about the puzzle, please call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

Answers

to June Puzzle Name

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Mail puzzle with answers to: Grand Season Puzzle, P.O. Box 5474, Sun City West, AZ 85376

Questions about the Grand Season Puzzle? Visit www.thegrandseason.com for updates or call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES: Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in to win. The answers to all crossword clues will contain all or part of a company name found in this month’s Grand Season ads. Must be 21 or older to enter the contest. Employees of the Grand Season or its advertisers are ineligible. When entering an advertisers’ name, there are no spaces, no LLC, or Corporations. Example: C & R Plus II would be entered into the spaces as: C&RPLUSII Entries must be postmarked no later than July 21st. A drawing will be held from all correct entries. One winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Card and 4 movie tickets, with a photo in our magazine. 8 winners will receive a consolation prize of a 2 movie tickets. Winners will be notified by phone, and prizes will be sent by mail. Winners will be announced in the August issue of the Grand Season.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL (623) 594-1630

ASK QUESTIONS

As a caregiver for a loved one, it’s imperative for you to understand the family’s finances, because if there is a shortfall, it can impact your finances. Unfortunately, gaining a clear picture may not be easy—as money is never an easy conversation to start. Following are some ideas to help start a productive conversation.

In order to gain a complete financial picture, you’ll need to ask several questions:

• Can your loved one have mortgage and other companies send you copies of their monthly statements?

• Do you have a grasp of their Social Security and work benefits, savings, investments, liabilities, living expenses and more?

• Is there a mortgage on their home? Can and should they stay where they are? And if so, will they need to pay for home modifications (i.e. ramps, grab bars, widening doorways, or adding another bathroom)?

• If they have to move to independent living or another kind of long-term care, do they have the finances to cover those expenses?

You also may need to know how they can adjust their current finances.

• Is there a way to minimize expenses, or are there assets that can be sold?

• If they own a home and are short on money, does it make sense to consider getting a reverse mortgage? The equity can be used for living expenses, hired help, or anything else.

• Is there an annuity, or any other investments that can be liquidated to help with care?

Since health care is the most significant cost when caring for a loved one, you’ll need to find out if they have long-term care insurance, and if so, what does it cover—and not cover? Also, you will need to understand Medicare and, for those on limited budgets, Medicaid. The government’s Medicare Rights Center has a national telephone helpline to help individuals understand benefits, choose the right coverage, and steer you to programs that help people on low or fixed incomes pay Medicare costs.

Additionally, the National Council on Aging offers a free service for low-incomes seniors to determine if they’re eligible for financial help with food, medication, utilities, health care, housing, transportation and other needs.

Hopefully, gaining a basic understanding of your loved one’s finances, will eliminate unnecessary financial frustrations as you embark on your caregiving journey.

DRINK UP

Staying hydrated is an essential—and often overlooked—aspect of maintaining good health. As we age, it’s even more important. If you’re struggling to get eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day—the amount recommended by many health experts—here are some reasons to drink more.

Improved brain performance

Even mild dehydration—as little as 2% fluid loss—can affect memory, mood, concentration, and reaction time. Adding just a few glasses of water to your daily intake can have a positive effect on cognition, stabilize your emotions, and even combat feelings of anxiety.

Digestive harmony

Your body needs water in order to digest food properly. Without enough, you may experience irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating, heartburn, and other discomforts that can hurt your quality of life. Upping your fluid intake may help get things moving in the right direction again.

More energy

Dehydration can slow down circulation and affect the flow of oxygen to your brain. A lack of fluids can also cause your heart to work harder to pump oxygen all throughout your body. All of that expended energy can make you feel tired, sluggish, and less focused. Simply by drinking more H2O, you’ll prevent dehydration and have more pep to get you through the day.

Decreased joint pain

Did you know the cartilage in your joints contains approximately 80% water?

Staying hydrated helps your joints stay well-lubricated, which helps reduce friction by creating more of a “cushion” between the bones. Less friction means smoothermoving joints and fewer aches and pains.

Fewer headaches

Even a mild fluid loss can cause the brain to contract away from the skull, leading to headaches and migraines in some individuals. Being consistently wellhydrated may help keep head pain in check.

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS

Clint Eastwood, who turned 93 on May 31, is set to direct his 41st feature film. Eastwood’s directorial debut was “Play Misty for Me,” 52 years ago, in 1971. His next film, “Juror #2,” has Gabriel Basso (of Netflix’s “Night Agent”) as the title juror, along with Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Kiefer Sutherland and Zoey Deutch. “Juror #2” has a serious moral dilemma, in that he could sway the jury’s verdict either way.

Robert De Niro must be crazy about fatherhood. In 1976, he had a son with his wife, Diahnne Abbott, and adopted her daughter, Drena. He was in a relationship with Toukie Smith from 1988 to 1996, which produced twin sons. In 1997, he married Grace Hightower, and they had a son and a daughter via surrogate. He has four grandchildren, and this year, he revealed he recently had a seventh child. He must need to work nonstop to be able to pay the bills and alimonies for all those wives,

AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ

A Message from Sue Royer

“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”

Sue RoyerDirector

About Us

Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living. When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.

We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:

• Group Homes

• Assisted Living Communities

• In-Home Primary Care Physicians

• Home Health Care Therapy

• Transportation

• Private Duty In-Home Care

• Respite Care

• Alzheimer’s Care

• Memory Care

• Hospice

• Support Groups Assisted living resources accepting:

• Private pay

• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS

• Medicaid

• VA Benefits

6 Reasons You Should Call AAA Senior Placement AZ

• We are well known and respected in the medical community.

• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.

• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.

• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.

• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.

• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.

Attic & Garage Fans

STRANGE BUT TRUE

Onions are the only commodity banned from futures trading in America.

Some New York City taxis are actually undercover cop cars.

When George Washington died, Napoleon Bonaparte gave a personal eulogy and ordered a 10-day mourning period for France.

Persian King Agha Mohammad Khan ordered the execution of two servants for being too loud. Since it was a holy day, he postponed the event for 24 hours and made the servants return to their duties. It turned out to be an unfortunate decision, as they murdered the ruler in his sleep that very night.

People are 30 times more likely to laugh at something if they’re with someone else.

Platypuses may be cute, but are also so odd-looking that when scientists first discovered them, they thought the animal was a hoax.

The man for whom Mount Everest was named, George Everest, didn’t want the honor, pointing out that his name was difficult to write or pronounce in Hindi and that all previous Himalayan peaks were officially given indigenous names.

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PREVENT BURNNOUT

As the population ages, more caregiving is provided by people who are not health care professionals. Approximately one-third of adults in the United States provide care to other adults as unpaid caregivers.

The demands of caring for an elderly parent, an aging spouse, or disabled child can result in a great deal of stress. If caregivers aren’t careful, they can jeopardize their own health and well-being.

There are steps you can take to limit caregiver stress and, also, reclaim a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life. By learning to recognize the signs of caregiver stress, you can prevent things from becoming worse. Here are a few red flags to watch for:

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability

• Feeling tired and run down

• Problems sleeping

• Overreacting to minor nuisances

• New or worsening health challenges

• Difficulty staying focused

• Neglecting personal responsibilities

• You struggle to relax when given the opportunity

• You are increasingly irritated or impatient with the person you are caring for or others

While caring for a loved one will never be stressfree, these tips can help you avoid the symptoms of caregiver burnout and find more balance in your life.

Practice Acceptance

When faced with the burden of caregiving, you may feel the need to make sense of the situation and ask, “Why?” You can spend a tremendous amount of energy dwelling on things you can’t change. Aim to avoid the emotional trap of feeling sorry for yourself.

Look for the Silver Lining

Stop and think about how caregiving has made you stronger, or how your relationship with the person you are caring for has grown. Concentrate on the positive reasons behind your choice to become a caregiver.

Say “Yes” to Help

Do not be shy about accepting assistance from others, when experiencing caregiver stress and burnout. Make a list of small tasks that others can help you with, and let the helper choose what they feel comfortable doing.

Learn to Set Boundaries

You are human, and you cannot be everything to everybody. Say “no” to requests that are draining and stressful, such as hosting or planning a family event.

Take Care of Your Own Health

Those who provide care for a loved one tend to experience high chronic stress and skimp on selfcare—factors that raise the risk for many illnesses. Exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep are all important in coping with caregiver stress.

623-518-4527

BEVERAGE CLUB

HONEY DEUCE

Ingredients

Crushed ice

3 oz. lemonade

1 1/4 oz. vodka

1/2 oz. raspberry liqueur

Honeydew, for garnish

Directions

Fill a Collins glass with crushed ice. Top with lemonade, vodka, and raspberry liqueur and gently stir to combine. Using a melon baller, scoop 3 balls of honeydew and slide them onto a skewer.

Top drink with skewered melon balls.

SUMMER SHANDY

Ingredients

2 lemons, thinly sliced

2 limes, thinly sliced (save a few slices for garnish)

1 apple, sliced

1 c. blueberries

1 (12-oz.) can ginger beer

2 (12-oz.) bottles wheat beer (like Hoegaarden)

1 c. lemonade

1/2 c. seltzer

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher (or a large bowl) and stir. Chill for 2 hours, or until cold. Serve with lime slices for garnish.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

FROM PAGE 37

BLUEBERRY GINN & TONIC

Ingredients

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tbsp. water

Ice

3 oz. gin

12 oz. tonic water

Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring blueberries, granulated sugar, and water to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until most blueberries have burst, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Divide 4 tbsp. blueberry syrup between 2 ice-filled glasses. Add gin and top with tonic water. Add more blueberry syrup or tonic water to taste. Garnish with a lime wedge.

FLASHBACK ANSWERS

From

1. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, in 1972. The Recording Industry Association of America designated it a Song of the Century, ranking it up there with “The Tennessee Waltz” and “Tom Dooley.”

2. The Beatles. Brian Epstein managed both groups. Lennon and McCartney even gave Kramer some of their songs to record when they weren’t right for the Beatles.

3. Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, in 1972. The song was written by one of the brothers, Eddie, and topped the Cashbox chart.

4. The Righteous Brothers, in 1963.

5. “Stuck On You,” by Elvis Presley in 1960. The song climbed charts around the globe and even took the top spot away from “Theme From a Summer Place,” which had stayed at No. 1 for nine weeks.