2018 Golden Years

Services for Seniors How dancing keeps you young at heart

GYears olden August 2018

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWPORT MINER AND GEM STATE MINER

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2018 Golden Years 3

Be Entertained !

Dancing for life

By Caneel Johnson of the miner

Senior, Military, Membership Discounts 509•447•4125 TheNewportRoxy.com

Plays, Musicals, Concerts, Season Tickets & Punch Passes 509•447•9900 PendOreillePlayers.org

Chewelah Manor Apartments Affordable Housing for Seniors or Disabled (Age 62+ or Disabled) 1 & 2 Bedroom Units HUD Subsidized Rent is 30% of income 501 E. Main St., Chewelah (509) 935-6966 4 2018 Golden Years

Dancing is great no matter your age.

Anne Wilder-Chamberlain, the dance instructor at Create Art Center in Newport, was sent a video of a couple in their 90s swing dancing like they were in their 20s, Chamberlain said. It shows that anyone can dance.

“If you can move your feet I can teach you to dance,” Chamberlain said.

It is also a safe way for people to meet and interact with new people, she said.

There is lots of data that recognizes the benefits of dancing for people in their golden years.

Dancing improves minimum foot clearance and cognitive performance in a dual-task situation, says the journal of Aging and Physical Activity.

Dancing has improved balance, gait and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. Some studies have shown that mastering dance movements and patterns yields greater improvements in memory and problem solving, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

The New England Journal of Medicine says that nine research studies found that dancing considerably lowers the risk of dementia, according to an article in AARP The Magazine.

“My mother was 89 when she took tango lessons, and she could perform some of the moves,” Chamberlain said.

“She was totally aware of the dancing.”

She did very well when she was dancing. Chamberlain did have her mother on a strict diet as well. “She was a lot worse when she came home from Utah before she started dancing,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain has been dancing all her life. She started at 4 years old, and despite many obstacles she has never stopped.

Her father died when she was 6 and her mother was unable to pay for her dance classes, but Chamberlain kept practicing her deep knee bends and splits.

“I can still do them at 64,” Chamberlain says.

After her divorce in 1979, Chamber-

lain took jazz classes for two years in Tahoe before moving to Coeur d’Alene where she took another year of jazz and one of ballet at the suggestion of her instructor.

“My first husband did not dance,” she said.

She remarried, moved to Spokane and had two children. When her youngest child Marla was 3 and her oldest, Julia, was 5, they all took jazz classes for their age group at Christy Lane’s Dance Studio in Spokane, and preformed in her spring show. Chamberlain’s second husband tried to take a social dance class with her. Because of her dancing background Chamberlain was able to keep up, but it was over his head, she said. She didn’t dance again until they separated in 1992. “I really started dancing in earnest after my second divorce,” she said. In 1993, at 39, she took classes for the country two-step and West Coast Swing dancing. Chamberlain has participated in many competitions. She won the bronze metal for age group 40-50 in the Seattle Star Ball.

She took nine first-place medals and two second-place metals in the Alberta Dance Sport Championship Wild Rose Ball in Calgary. She also competed in the West Coast Swing and Hustle, and several swing dance competitions in Spokane at the Spokane Swing Dance Club. She won second place with her then dance instructor in a Professional and Amateur competition, and third place with her current husband, Tim Chamberlain, in a classical competition.

“Tim and I were meant to be,” Chamberlain said. “He is a dancer too.”

They were a dance team at Avalon Dance Club in Spokane where they performed routines in rumba and salsa rueda, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing and hustle.

Chamberlain’s last dance class was in 2013-2014, where she learned a different dance every month. She learned dances like the cha-cha, nightclub two-step, fox trot, waltz, tango and the country two-step and many others.

“I would still take classes if any were available in the area for my level of experience,” Chamberlain said.

In 2004, Chamberlain took a nine-

month instructor training class from the Spokane Dance Company for ballroom dancing, and has been teaching ever since. Chamberlain teaches a variety of dances at the Create Art Center in Newport for ages 13-90. Classes are $25 per person per month. They meet every Friday starting Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. She also teaches fifth graders in every school in West Bonner County School District, as well as private instructions for parties, weddings and anniversaries. John Endres, 61, and his partner Mary Upshaw, 67, have been dancing in Chamberlain’s class since they moved here in June of 2017. They used to dance in Wisconsin before moving here.

“We attend as many classes as we can,” Endres said. It is good exercise and a way to lose a couple extra pounds too, he added. It also increases mobility and enhances the connection to mind, body, and the music, he said.

It makes places where there is music and dancing more enjoyable, because there is an opportunity to move with the music, he says.

“It also keeps you young, and it is a good way to meet people.”

Senior Services Pend Oreille County Newport

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington

Based in Spokane, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington serves five Northeast Washington counties, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Spokane and Whitman. Its goal is to help develop a comprehensive and coordinated service system for older persons and others in need of long term care. Emphasis is given to those with the greatest social, economic, and health needs and culturally Continued on page 5

Senior Services Continued From page 4

diverse individuals. To access services in Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille and Whitman counties call Rural Resources Community Action at 1-800-873-5889.

To access services in Spokane County call Community Living Connections at 509-960-7281.

Services fall under the areas of: • Care coordination • Information and Assistance • Options Counseling • Family Caregiver Support • In-home caregiver registry, an electronic registry of potential caregivers available in rural areas • Advocacy • Health care information for individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid • Legal services/consumer protection • Adult in-home care services This agency provides funding and/or support to other agencies for some of the programs listed.

ALTCEW is located at 1222 N. Post St., Spokane WA 99201.

Their telephone number is 509-4582509; fax number is 509-458-2003 and they can also be reached online at www. altcew.org, and by email at action@ altcew.org.

DSHS Home and Community Services Home and Community Services is the division of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services that provides services to Pend Oreille County seniors and people with physical disabilities.

The main focus is to provide assistance to help keep senior citizens in their own homes as long as possible. This division also works with the financial branch of DSHS to determine eligibility and qualifications for state financial programs for seniors and other people who may qualify.

The office is located in the DSHS building at 1600 W. First St., in Newport. It has two full-time social workers.

For more information, contact the Newport office at 509-447-6200.

Some of the programs include: • Eligibility, which looks at all possible programs to arrive at the right program

to meet the qualifying individual’s needs.

• Adult Protective Services: To report suspected cases of neglect, abuse, exploitation and abandonment involving seniors, call 1-800-459-0421.

• Home Services that gives access to in-home services. This includes personal care services through Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) and Community Options Program Entry System (COPES). These programs help assure that individuals can stay in their homes. To get a referral for new services call 1-866-323-9409.

• Out-of-Home Placements provides placements to and discharges from adult family homes, boarding homes, assisted living and nursing homes.

NEW Health Programs Association (NEWHP) We provide a wide range of comprehensive care to patients of all ages, no matter your financial means or personal situation. Our services include both primary and preventative care, women’s health, treatment for acute and chronic illness, diabetic care, express care, family planning, basic lab services and so much more.

We are a local not-for-profit, federally qualified health care organization that has proudly served this area since 1978. We have 8 community health care clinics and 3 dental clinics in North East Washington. Quail Hollow, our assisted living site, is in beautiful Chewelah and offers seniors full service care and a sense of community.

We provide high quality, affordable Continued on page 6

LHC Group Home Health Care LHC Group helps patients of all ages make the transition to post-acute care at home in communities across the country. Working with hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and trained professionals in local communities, they provide the technologies and professional staffing to deliver the highest possible level of personalized medical attention for patients in the comfort of their homes, and under their physician’s direct supervision.

The development of new medical treatments and technologies has made home healthcare an important and cost-effective option for many people recovering from illness or injuries.

LHC Group specializes in providing high quality, professional care for a wide range of medical conditions. This includes: After care following surgery, angina, arthritis, back sprain/strain, cancer, COPD, coronary artery disease, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, digoxin toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, hypertension, pituitary dysfunctions, pneumonia, pyelonephritis and stroke.

Contact the office in Spokane at 111 W. North River Drive, Suite 204; call 509-747-2462, fax 509-747-2173.

In Idaho, contact the office in Coeur d’Alene at 850 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815; call 208-667-7494, fax 208-765-2236 or visit lhcgroup. com.

2018 Golden Years 5

Senior Services Continued From page 5

health care to the people residing in our service area. Most insurance is accepted including Medicare and Medicaid/Apple Health. NEWHP offers sliding discounts and payment options to those who qualify. Discounted prescriptions are available to our non-Medicaid patients through the 340b Program.

We are passionate about what we do and committed to doing it right.

For more information or to find a clinic in your neighborhood visit www. newhp.org or call 800-829-6983.

Rural Resources Community Action Newport Office: 333211 Suite 200, Highway 2, (Next to Subway) Ione Office: Ione Senior Center, 201 Houghton, Ione, WA 99139, Case managers: Dortha Coleman 509-442-3223 GET YOUR FLU, PNEUMONIA & SHINGLES IMMUNIZATIONS

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6 2018 Golden Years

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and Nikki Parker, 509-442-3222. (See separate listing under Ione/Metalines.)

The Community Living Division of Rural Resources offers services to those 60 and older and their families. The agency also monitors services to those adults under 60 who are on state home care programs. For the Newport and Cusick areas call 509-447-9997; Ione and Metalines 509-442-3222; and for Stevens County or general information 800-873-5889.

Services include: • Family Caregiver Support Program that provides information about and assistance in accessing long term care services, training and education by a field professional such as a nurse or dietician to individual participants and caregivers, assistance in gaining access to estate planning services, and in- and out-of-home respite services.

• Information and Assistance/Case Management provides information about a wide variety of resources available to seniors and their families. Case managers also provide assistance and referrals for problems with Social Security, SSI, insurance and Medicare.

• In Home Personal Care Case Management provides regular visits and personal care assistance to elder or disabled adults that qualify and are in need of assistance.

• Respite: Provides relief for families or other unpaid caregivers of disabled adults, 18 years of age and above. Both in-home and out-of-home respite care is available.

• Nutrition: Hot, home delivered meals are available on meal days for seniors just getting out of the hospital or homebound. Frozen meals are available to those seniors who are homebound or unable to cook. A donation is requested for seven meals. Liquid dietary and shelf stable meals also are available. Both of these can be picked up at the Rural Resource office. Diner’s Choice meal program is also available through Rural Resources.

• We offer a menu of educational workshops to assist clients that are dealing with health issues. These workshops are scheduled as need in the Newport area and include Chronic Disease, Self Management, A Matter of Balance (Falls prevention), Chronic

Pain Self Management, Diabetes Self Management and Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Contact the local office for specific schedules.

• Kinship Caregiver support offers assistance to grandparents that are raising their grandchildren with needed support and supplies. Contact the Newport office for additional information.

• Health Homes Care Coordination is an insurance company funded benefit that connects qualifying individuals with a “coach” to assist in establishing and meeting health goals, coordinating treatment and communication with health care providers and connecting the client to additional community supports. Contact your case manager for information about how to determine eligibility.

• Energy Assistance and Low Income Housing Supports are offered through the Colville office.

• Transportation: Senior bus service is available in Newport. Call 800776-9026 to reserve space on upcoming trips. The Newport van is available to take seniors grocery shopping, to pick up prescriptions and to doctor appointments.

• Medicaid transportation is available from Special Mobility Transportation and can be scheduled by calling 800-892-4817.

• Public transportation available in southern Pend Oreille, including Cusick, Usk, Kalispel Reservation and Newport, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., using wheelchair accessible vehicles.

• For information on medical insurance, contact your local office.

• Volunteer opportunities: Volunteer as a driver to take people to doctor appointments. Call Rural Resources at 800-776-9026 or Volunteer Chore service at 800-428-6825.

• Other volunteer services also are available at Volunteer Chore service.

Volunteers are also needed at the Newport site to deliver hot meals to the homebound seniors, and assist with monthly food commodity, delivery and distribution. Call 509-4479997 for additional information.

Continued on page 8

Newport Hospital and Health Services ...your care community since 1921.

- 24 Hour Emergency Care - Ground & Air Ambulance Transportation - Newport Health Center (Family Practice Clinic 509-447-3139) - Obstetrics (including Cesarean; we serve Idaho families, too!)

- Surgery and Anesthesia (including Orthopedics)

- Diagnostic Imaging - Outpatient Services - Laboratory - Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy - River Mountain Village Assisted Living - Long Term Care & Skilled Nursing

NEWPORT HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES

714 W. Pine St., Newport, WA ‡ (509) 447-2441 ‡ NewportHospitalAndHealth.org

Call Community Living Connections 1-800-873-5889 2018 Golden Years 7

Senior Services Continued From page 6

Pend Oreille County Library District The four libraries of the Pend Oreille Library District offer many information resources for seniors. The website provides genealogy and research databases, online databases for consumer health information, business information and many other topics under “Browse” then “Databases”. The website also has information on the Friends of the Library and other volunteer opportunities. Reference

help is available by calling any library branch or by emailing info@pocld.org.

Web page: www.pocld.org Telephone for all branches: 800-3663654 Library locations are: • Newport Public Library, 116 S. Washington, Newport, WA 99156.

• Calispel Valley Library, 107 First Ave., Cusick, WA 99119.

• Ione Public Library, 210 Blackwell St. Suite 1, Ione, WA 99139.

• Metalines Community Library, 302

Lilac Plaza Welcome Home Lilac Plaza

7007 N. Wiscomb Spokane • (509) 489-7612

• Senior Housing 62+ • Rent Based on Income • Units start at $342/mo.

• Utilities Included • House Keeping Visit us on the web www.spokaneretirement.org

Bliss Chiropractic Center

601 State Route 20 P.O. Box 1619 Newport, WA 99156

Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Celebrating Health & Wellness Since 1948!

(509) 447-2413

Fax - (509) 447-2413 www.facebook.com/blisschiropractic 8 2018 Golden Years

Park St., Metaline Falls, WA 99153.

District Administration Office: 116 S. Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156.

Hospitality House The Hospitality House Senior Center, located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in Newport, provides activities and education for the “over 50” group of people in the community, as well as opening up their building for use by other organizations which benefit the community. It is open to people of all ages who would like to participate in the activities provided.

The mailing address is PO Box 802, Newport WA 99156.

The Hospitality House is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular events sponsored by the senior center include: • Card games: Duplicate Bridge is held Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for $2 and Pinochle is held Thursdays at 6 p.m. for $5. Games are open to all.

• Potlucks: A potluck is held on the second and fourth Mondays at noon.

Participants are asked to bring a covered dish. Potlucks are open to all.

• Exercise: Gentle exercise is held Mondays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. Exercise sessions are one hour.

• Tax assistance programs are provided by AARP in the spring of each year.

• Alcoholics Anonymous is held Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m.

• Free breakfast is offered every Saturday of the month, from 8-10 a.m.

• Free Veterans outreach and assistance, is held each Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The center can be rented for various activities. Call 509 447-3812 for more information.

Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce The Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource for our area’s businesses, as well as tourists, visitors and residents. Its mission is to create, promote, and strengthen the business and economic climate, as members believe that a prosperous busi-

ness community and robust economy will lead to an enhanced quality of life for the communities the chamber serves.

For more information visit www.newportareachamber.com or email info@ newportareachamber.com.

KALTRAN Transportation KALTRAN is a free, public transportation services operated by the Kalispel Tribal Planning Department under the Kalispel Tribal Business Council.

All members of the general public are welcome to ride aboard the Kalispel Transit System. All KALTRAN vehicles are ADA compliant.

Kaltran provides fixed route service from the Camas Center to North Spokane every day. Round trip service is also provided to Ione on Monday and Wednesdays. Deviated services are also available up to 3/4 of a mile off the normal fixed route, or within the boundaries of the Kalispel Indian Reservation.

All deviated route services must be scheduled with the Kaltran office prior to the requested pick-up time, so vehicles can be appropriately dispatched.

KALTRAN is operational Monday through Thursday.

Contact KALTRAN at 509-447-7247.

KALTRAN has a Facebook page to keep up to date information about current schedule changes, route delays or winter closures.

Ione/Metalines

N.E. WA Rural Resources The Rural Resources Community Action office is at 201 Houghton in Ione and provides a variety of adult and long-term care services in North Pend Oreille County. The telephone number is 509-442-3223.

• Program access: Case Manager Dortha Coleman, 509-442-3223, and Case Manager Nikki Parker, 509-4423222, assist seniors and disabled persons in accessing programs to improve their living conditions, health concerns and RX solutions. Care is also extended for usage of the Family Caregiver Support Program to assist unpaid caregivContinued on page 9

Senior Services Continued From page 8

ers.

• In-home meals are available to home bound or those unable to cook. Call 1-800 873-5889.

• Medical transports: Transportation for medical appointments is provided for those over 60 years of age and others on Medicaid. The Medicaid transportation number is 800-892-4817; others may call Rural Resources Transportation Office at800-776-9026.

• For other services see Rural Resources Community Action listing under Pend Oreille County.

Bonner County Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho The Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho administers comprehensive community-based programs to maximize independence and quality of life for people aged 60 and older. The Coeur

d’Alene based Area Agency on Aging office serves the five northern counties of Idaho, including Bonner. Agency programs include: • Adult Protection: Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults (18 and older) who are unable to protect or take care of themselves.

• Information and Assistance: Provides referrals to services in the community to meet a broad spectrum of need, such as in-home health care, housing, transportation, legal assistance, caregiver assistance, and information on many other available resource and serviced in the five northern counties. The I&A staff also offer counseling on long term care options and planning.

• Contracted Services: Through a combination of federal and state funding, contracts for various services are designed to promote independence and help seniors remain living in their homes. These services include senior center meals, home delivered meals, light housekeeping, transportation, legal assistance, and respite services for

family caregivers providing 24/7 care.

• Ombudsman: Advocates and problem solves for individuals aged 60 and older living in an institutional setting.

Ombudsmen investigate, mediate and resolve complaints registered on behalf of individuals having issues with nursing homes, residential care homes and assisted living homes.

• Senior Medicare Patrol: Volunteer based program providing education and awareness to seniors on Medicare fraud.

Topics include how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of Medicare fraud, how to recognize possible fraud activity, and what to do if fraud is suspected.

Contact the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho at 208-667-3179 or 800786-5536. Visit the website at www. aaani.org, Facebook page, or email infoassist@aaani.org. The office is located at 2120 Lakewood Dr., Ste B, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Hudesman House Apartments Subsidized Housing for Seniors 62+ 1 Bedroom Units HUD Subsidized Rent is 30% of income 256 Hudesman Ln., Colville (509) 684-3140

Continued on page 10

WENATCHEE

509-782-5071 509-860-7177

2018 Golden Years 9

Dial-A-Ride South Pend Oreille Call Ahead to Schedule ...

Personal appointments: Banking, Doctor, Salon, Shopping, Wellness Center, Visits to Friends, etc.

1-800-776-9026 Fixed Route Monday thru Thursday Safeway ................................ 6:30 AM Wellness Center ..................... 7:05 AM Safeway ................................ 7:35 AM Safeway ................................ 4:20 PM Wellness Center ..................... 5:05 PM Safeway ................................ 5:30 PM

Dial-A-Ride Flexibility!

Dial-A-Ride Hours: 9:05 AM - 12:15 PM * Wellness Center 9:45 AM * Wellness Center 11:35 AM 1:10 PM - 4 PM

* Wellness Center 2:10 PM * Wellness Center 3:35 PM

Note: * With scheduled reservation

Rural Resources Transportation will not discriminate because of race, religion, color, gender, pregnancy, age (including those over 40), national origin (including ancestry), ethnicity, disability (as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible

Senior Services Continued From page 9

Bonner General Health Community Hospice is part of Bonner General Health. Bonner Community Hospice is a non-profit organization certified by Medicare and Medicaid and a member of the National Hospice Organization.

Serving all of Bonner and Boundary counties, the organization provides compassionate care to persons with life threatening illnesses and shortened life expectancy, in their homes and nursing homes. The hospice team includes physicians, registered nurses, social workers, trained volunteers, chaplains, home health aides, therapists and a nutrition counselor.

Services are covered by many insurance plans and fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Ability to pay does not determine level of care.

To help cover the costs of services and programs, Hospice holds fundraising activities and accepts donations from the community. These funds are used to provide client care and meet the needs of our patients and families.

Referrals can be made by a physician.

For more information, call the Hospice office at 208-265-1179 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hospice’s mailing address is 520 N. Third St., Sandpoint ID 83864.

Carefully selected and trained volunteers are vital members of Hospice.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Bonner Community Hospice.

Hospice has a variety of ways that those interested in volunteering can help.

West Bonner Library District

418 W. 3rd St. Newport, WA | 509.447.3242 | www.ELTCLawGroup.com 102 S. Euclid Ave - Suite 212 Sandpoint, ID 83864 | 208.263.3585 10 2018 Golden Years

The Priest River Library is located at 118 Main St. in Priest River, 208-4482207. The website is www.westbonner. lili.org. Library hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Computer classes are scheduled as funding becomes available. For information on library services, call 208-448-2207.

Blanchard Branch Library is located at 412 Railroad Ave., Blanchard.

Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library can be reached at 208437-0801.

Priest River

Priest River Senior Center The Frank Chapin Senior Center at 339 E. Jackson (corner Fourth and Jackson), in Priest River and provides various social functions for seniors and other members of the public, and it also operates the Priest River Food Bank. The mailing address is PO Box 1321 Priest River ID 83856. Details on these services are listed below; more information is available by calling the center at 208448-2352.

• Mondays offer exercise classes from 9-9:45 a.m. and a community lunch at 11 a.m. Mexican Train dominoes is from 1-5 p.m.

• Every Wednesday and Saturday the card players gather for pinochle, conversation and goodies. Exercise classes are also from 9-9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays.

• Quilters gather to visit and construct works of textile art Thursdays at noon.

• The Happy Agers meet for a potluck on the second and fourth Friday of the month at 11:30 a.m.

• Prior to hunting season, the senior center is host to Hunter Safety classes.

• Several times each year, the Senior Driving Classes are held here.

• Many citizens rent the hall for receptions and club meetings.

Priest River Chamber of Commerce Information on the community, as well as travel information, is available from the Priest River Chamber of Commerce. The chamber office is located at 119 Main St., in the Beardmore Building, Suite 102, Priest River ID 83856.

Office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The chamber’s general meetings for members are the fourth Tuesday of each month, open to all and usually at a local restaurant. Information about location Continued on page 14

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2018 Golden Years 11

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What is the best way to clean my ears?

By Lori McDonald Deer Park Hearing Center

Believe it or not, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is about the best way to clean your ears. But before I answer it, I first like to remind people why we have earwax. Cerumen, often referred to as earwax, is produced by the ear for several different reasons.

It collects dirt, debris and bacteria, preventing unwanted foreign bodies from entering the ear. Earwax also has lubrication properties to keep the ears from getting dry and itchy. Finally, earwax acts as an antifungal and antibacterial, helping to fight infections in and around our ears.

Your ears mostly clean themselves Earwax usually works its way out of the ears naturally through normal jaw motions, such as talking and chewing.

So most people rarely or never have to clean their ears above and beyond their normal bathing routine. After showering, simply wipe away excess water and any possible wax from your outer ear with a towel or wash cloth. You should not use cotton swabs to clean your ears.

There’s a saying in our field, “Never insert anything smaller than your elbow into your ear.” Cotton swabs can push the earwax deeper into the ear, causing an impaction and preventing the eardrum from vibrating properly. People who use cotton swabs to clean their ears usually end up making earwax worse, not better. The impaction can lead to bigger problems. Even brands such as Q-tips have packaging warning against inserting them into the ear canal.

Wax buildup is a real thing Everyone’s ear is uniquely shaped, so for some, normal cleaning methods are not effective enough and earwax can build up.

Symptoms of excess earwax include: • Difficulty hearing • Fullness or ringing in the ears • Pain in the ear • An odor coming from the ear • Dizziness 12 2018 Golden Years

People who wear hearing aids may be more susceptible to earwax buildup, as having a device in the ear can prevent earwax from naturally working its way out during the day. Also, earwax buildup is more common among older adults because the consistency of earwax changes with age.

How to get rid of excess earwax If you think you have excess earwax, the safest thing to do is to visit your doctor or hearing professional. Your doctor can look into your ears to investigate the earwax and determine if it should be removed. If it needs to be removed, he or she can use water irrigation, suction or a curette to scoop out the earwax. Doctors may recommend patients return every six months or annually as a preventative measure against earwax buildup.

Other safe, at-home ear cleaning methods If you choose to remove the earwax at home, there are a number of safe methods that can be used. Pharmacies and certain retail stores sell over-the-counter drops that soften earwax. Ask your hearing professional about Starkey’s Ear Wax Removal Kit, which contains drops that clean the ear with microfoam action and a soft rubber bulb for applying the drops. Starkey also offers Natural Ear Wax Removal Drops, which provide natural relief by gently loosening the earwax. Mineral oil and baby oil also do a nice job of softening earwax.

We can always help The best recommendation is to always consult with a hearing professional if you are concerned about earwax. It’s important to note that people who have diabetes, who are prone to ear infections, who might have a perforation in the eardrum, who have tubes, or who have compromised immune systems should exercise additional caution and consult with a professional before trying any treatment at home.

This blog was originally published by Starkey Hearing Technologies on www.starkey.com/blog.

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Depending only on brushing, flossing outdated

By Dr. Lon Peckham Priest River

Yes you read that right, the old paradigm of controlling tooth decay and gum disease with brushing, flossing and fluoride is based on old science. We know better now, or at least we should.

And for some of you this news is going to come as a breath of fresh air. If you are one of those plagued with a lifetime of dental problems, no matter how well you clean your teeth you still continue to suffer from dental problems, you can now quit blaming yourself, or at least quit blaming your oral hygiene.

I remember in the early ‘80s when I was in dental school we were all advised to go into orthodontics because fluoride was supposedly rapidly turning dental decay into a disease of the past, much like vaccination had done to polio. Well that didn’t happen. In fact, I now probably see more decay and periodontal disease than ever.

It’s tempting to blame it on heredity, especially when both your parents, grandparents, and all 12 of your older siblings have already lost all their teeth.

And maybe we’ll soon discover a “dental gene” like we have for diabetes, heart disease, alcoholism and other health problems. But even if we do, that really won’t make a difference; by that I mean having a disease gene doesn’t make getting that disease inevitable because those can be turned on or off. Ya, really.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying brushing and flossing and other forms of oral hygiene are not important, or that dental disease is not “bug” related. They are and it is. But here’s the

deal – dental bugs (that’s “bacteria” if you haven’t figured that out yet) have a hard time infecting resistant teeth and gums. And new research has shown that a major cause of dental disease susceptibility, loss of resistance, is systemic inflammation.

Now we’ve known that inflammation plays a key role in periodontal gum disease for a while now, but tooth decay? Yes, tooth decay too. But when you think about it, that really shouldn’t come as any great surprise.

Because knowledgeable doctors and patients are well aware that systemic inflammation is at the heart of almost all of today’s major health issues – heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s… the list goes on. And now you can add periodontal disease and dental caries to it too.

But now that we know, what should we do about it? Take an anti-inflammatory pill? Well that would be the big-pharma solution wouldn’t it? But we all know the nasty side effects of using those long-term; they’re recited at the end of every drug commercial for Pete’s sake. Wouldn’t it make more sense to prevent the inflammation in the first place? Especially since that approach is a whole lot less expensive, more effective, and safer.

Here’s a list of ways you and your whole-health dentist can help control your systemic inflammation and significantly reduce your susceptibility to dental and other diseases.

Eat healthy – lots of fruits and vegetable, especially berries, beans, greens, nuts, onions and mushrooms.

Be tested for inflammation – it’s a

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simple blood test that will let you know how you’re doing.

Get adequate oxygenation – exercise, don’t smoke, and control sleep apnea.

See a dentist or physician knowledgeable in this area if you snore, are frequently tired, or have other reasons to suspect you’re having trouble breathing.

Monitor the bacterial levels in your mouth – a healthy mouth will have minimal numbers of bad bugs.

Keep brushing and flossing – depending on these alone is out of date, but they still help.

Dr. Lon Peckham practices comprehensive whole-health dental care at Priest River’s Smile Miracles Project. For help monitoring and controlling your inflammation, and any other dental concerns you may have, give him a call at 1-855-55DRLON.

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Dr. Peckham is the founder and national director of the Master’s Dental Research Foundation as well as the philanthropic Smile Miracles Network providing smile makeovers to wounded veterans, battered women, and other deserving individuals

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Nationally recognized and featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX for his contributions to the art and science of dentistry

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2018 Golden Years 13

Senior Services Continued From page 10

and other changes are on Facebook.

The website is www.priestriverchamber.com, Email: priestrivercoc@gmail. com or call 208-448-2721.

Blanchard

BASIC and Blanchard Community Center

Our Customer Service Representatives are conveniently located at Box Canyon Dam and in Newport to help serve you!

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14 2018 Golden Years

Blanchard Area Seniors Incorporated (BASIC) is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, serving senior citizens and persons of all ages. BASIC takes an active role in the concerns, issues and interests of the entire community; holds monthly social and informational meetings; has a “country breakfast” program May through September on select Mondays from 7-10 a.m.; art and drama classes and productions for adults and children at low cost and children free; a quilting group and Master Chef cooking classes.

BASIC owns and operates the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane in Blanchard. Meetings are open to the public and are held monthly.

Programs are supported through minimal fees, donations, fundraisers and foundation grants.

The center is available for private rental at reasonable rates. For more

information call 208-437-1037 or write to BASIC, P.O. Box 127, Blanchard, ID 83804.

Priest Lake

Priest Lake Public Library The library is located at 28769 Highway 57 at Priest Lake.

You can reach them by calling 208443-2454; fax 208-443-3121 or by email at plplibrary@hotmail.com. The website is www.priestlake.lili.org.

Summer hours, Memorial Day through Labor Day, are Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter hours, Labor Day through Memorial Day, are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fit and Fall Proof ™Classes Fit and Fall Proof™ is a free fitness program designed for older adults that improves balance and strength and may decrease the risk of falls. Classes are targeted for those 65 and older but others are welcome to attend. The classes are free and administered by the Panhandle Health District of north Idaho. Classes in

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Planning for Medicaid long-term care benefits

By Crandall Law Group

Medicaid is a government program that pays medical costs, including long-term care costs for nursing home care. Not to be confused with Medi-care, which is available to all seniors and does not cover long-term care, Medicaid has strict financial and eligibility requirements. The rules are complex and change frequently, requiring great care when planning and applying for benefits.

Basic eligibility requirements In most states, including Idaho and Washington, an individual applying for Medicaid long-term care may only own $2,000 in total countable assets. Certain

assets such as a residence or a vehicle may not be “countable” for eligibility purposes, but Medicaid may be able to place a lien on these assets after the recipient dies. If the individual is married, the healthy spouse may be able to keep up to $120,900 in countable assets.

But any excess countable assets would need to be spent before the individual would qualify; this is often referred to as a Medicaid “spend down.”

Gifts, ‘Look-Back’ periods, and penalty periods To preserve assets and avoid having to go through a Medicaid spend down, Continued on page 15

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individuals will often give away assets such as homes or bank accounts to their children or family members. As might be expected, Medicaid regulates these types of gifting strategies. Medicaid will look back five years from the date of application (the “look-back period”) for any uncompensated transfers or gifts. Gifts made during this period will result in a period of ineligibility for the applicant (“the penalty period”), the length of which is calculated based on the value of the gift. Note: There are exceptions for gifts of certain assets to individuals such as a disabled child or caretaker child who lived in the applicant’s home for at least two years.

When to plan for Medicaid Most people start planning for Medicaid only when they think they need benefits. Because of the five-year lookback period, that’s a big mistake. The best time to plan for Medicaid is at least five years before you anticipate having to go into a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, if an unexpected illness arises, there are usually better options than doing a complete Medicaid spend-down, and it still may be possible to preserve a significant portion of your assets using more advanced planning strategies not discussed in this article.

Using irrevocable trusts As mentioned earlier, individuals planning for Medicaid benefits will often make gifts to family members. Gifts can either be made directly to individuals as “outright” gifts, or they can be made to an irrevocable trust for their benefit.

There are usually significant advantages to using an irrevocable trust rather than outright gift. Some advantages of irrevocable trusts include: Asset Protection for Beneficiaries – Using a trust, it is possible to insulate the gifted assets from creditors of the beneficiary. For instance, if a child is sued, files for bankruptcy, or goes through a divorce, assets held in trust can be fully protected from the child’s creditors or

ex-spouse.

Preserving the Exclusion of Capital Gains on the Sale of the Home – For homeowners, Section 121 of the Tax Code excludes up to $250,000 of capital gains from being taxed when the taxpayer’s principal residence is sold. This valuable tax benefit may be forfeited if the home is gifted outright.

Preserving Tax Basis “Step Up” – Tax “basis” refers to the owner’s original value in an appreciating asset and is used to calculate capital gains tax owed when the asset is sold. When an asset passes at the owner’s death, the recipient gets a “step up” in tax basis to the current fair market value. Gifts made during the owner’s lifetime, however, do not receive a step up. For example, if Dad purchased property for $20,000 and the property was worth $100,000 when he died and left it to Son, Son’s new tax basis is “stepped up” to $100,000, and $80,000 of taxable gains are eliminated.

Conversely, if Dad gifted the property to Son during his lifetime, Son keeps the original tax basis of $20,000 and could owe a hefty tax when the property is sold. Carefully drafted irrevocable trusts can preserve the “step up” at the owner’s death, even though the asset was gifted to the trust during the owner’s lifetime.

Determining Lifetime, Death, and Successor Beneficiaries – Trusts make it possible to name both lifetime beneficiaries and beneficiaries entitled to receive assets at your death. You can also differentiate between beneficiaries of income generated by trust assets and beneficiaries of the principal amount. Finally, you can name successor beneficiaries to any beneficiary who predeceases you or dies before the trust is used up. This can be very important for those who want assets to remain in the family.

Incentivizing Use of Trust Assets – With an irrevocable trust you can place limits and incentives on how assets are to be used. For instance, you may specify that funds can only be used for specific purposes such as education, health, or living expenses, or for special occasions such as graduation, marriage, or the purchase of a home. Trusts can also provide important incentives and protections for individuals struggling

with addiction.

Protecting Beneficiaries with Disabilities or Special Needs – Giving an outright bequest to individuals receiving means-based government assistance such as Medicaid or SSI can cause them to lose these benefits and can be disastrous. With a trust it is possible retain shares in a “Supplemental Needs Trust,” which is designed to give beneficiaries use of their funds without interfering with their government assistance.

The use of irrevocable trusts can result in significant tax savings and asset preservation for beneficiaries and can give individuals greater control and flexibility in planning for long term care. Every person’s situation is different, and trusts are one of many Medicaid planning strategies that may be available to you.

When considering Medicaid planning, it is important to work with professionals who have experience in this complex area of the law.

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Family Crisis Network

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Please call or come in to discuss your needs with an advocate.

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16 2018 Golden Years