Seniorliving06242014

Please join us for our

Grand Opening Celebration!

Monday, June 30 • 11am-3pm

• Come see our beautiful NEW LOCATION • Get to know our wonderful caring staff • Enjoy refreshments • FREE hearing aid clean and check

Patient-centered approach focused on finding the best solutions for your hearing needs

Let us help you rediscover the joy and confidence of hearing better!

457 Sutton Way Grass Valley

477-8114

How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

Gold County Hearing Center

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earing loss is on the rise for all age groups, and recent statistics suggest approximately1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have hearing loss, according to experts.

Hearing Loss Causes There are many different causes of hearing loss, with the most common being the aging process. Hearing loss can also be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth or prenatal) or hereditary factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes.

Signs of Hearing Loss • You hear people speaking but you have to strain to understand their words.

• You frequently ask people to repeat what they said.

• You don’t laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story or the punch line.

• You frequently complain that people mumble.

• You need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attended.

• You play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse and relatives.

• You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.

• You find that looking at people when they speak to you makes it easier to understand.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a hearing professional for a full hearing evaluation. A hearing evaluation allows the hearing professional to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss, as well as how well or how poorly you understand speech. The hearing evaluation will also include a thorough case history as well as visual inspection of the ear canals and eardrum.

The results of the hearing evaluation are used to determine if medical intervention is needed or if the hearing loss would be best treated by hearing aids. If there are any medical concerns shown in the hearing evaluation, the hearing professional will refer you to a physician specializing in the ear, such as an otolaryngologist.

There are several types of hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss is sometimes referred to as nerve deafness. This type of hearing loss is precipitated by damage to hair cells in the inner ear. Each hair cell re-

ceives specific sounds and the more cells that are damaged, the poorer the hearing. The most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss is the aging process or noise exposure but sometimes the cause can be from a medical condition. This type of hearing loss may make it difficult to understand conversation or hear in a noisy environment.

Hearing aids and assistive listening devices can usually help.

Conductive hearing loss is usually caused by a medical condition that can be treated by a physician. Some examples are wax build up that blocks the sound from reaching the inner ear, an ear infection, a perforated eardrum or other such ailments.

If medical treatment cannot help, a hearing aid may.

Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of the two above. Medical treatment may help the conductive portion and a hearing aid may help the sensorineural component.

Causes of Hearing Loss Chances are heredity is a factor if the hearing loss was discovered at birth or in the first few years of life. This type of hearing loss can be traced through family history.

Some diseases such as rubella, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss.

Some medications can cause hearing loss.

Head injuries and other accidents can cause hearing problems.

The aging process is often accompanied by a progressive hearing loss that may develop slowly over years.

This type of hearing loss is referred to as presbycusis and is sometimes caused by a lifetime of exposure to noise.

Prolonged noise exposure over time is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Noise exposure on the job affects the hearing of firemen, industrial workers, musicians, etc. while non-occupational noise can cause hearing loss in the general public. Noise can harm your hearing depending on the intensity, frequency and the length of time you are exposed to the noise. It is important to wear hearing protection to reduce the negative effects of noise exposure.

Gold Country Hearing Center is located at 457 Sutton Way in Grass Valley, 530-477-8114.

SENIOR LIVING IN NEVADA COUNTY JUNE 2014

Donating to Hospice of the Foothills Gift & Thrift matters Submitted by Hospice of the Foothills

D

id you know that revenues from the Hospice Gift & Thrift stores provide the largest annual contribution to Hospice of the Foothills’ operating expenses? Donations and purchases at the Gift & Thrift stores are not only appreciated – they are vital to our ability to provide the compassionate patient care and family support for which Hospice of the Foothills is known.

Few people are aware that reimbursements from SUBMITTED PHOTO Medicare, Medi-Cal and Hospice of the Foothills Gift & Thrift volunteers Anita O’Shea (left) and Jane private insurance only cov- Anderson (right). er a portion of a patient’s vada City store opened in Gift & Thrift because of care. The community, 1991 and Penn Valley soon the wonderful hospice care with their general contrifollowed in 1993. Both a family member received. butions and Gift & Thrift They have stayed because donations, help bridge the stores are predominately staffed with community they love their co-workers growing gap between the volunteers like Jane Anand customers. “To me, it’s actual cost of care and inderson and Anita O’Shea. an honor to be part of an surance reimbursements.

Jane has been volunteering organization that serves Hospice Gift & Thrift since 1994 and Anita since the community,” said Jane. is fortunate to have two 2009. Both were drawn “At the end of the day, locations serving western to volunteer with Hospice you know you did someNevada County. The Ne-

thing good,’ Anita added.

In addition to the extraordinary attitudes and talents of the Gift & Thrift staff, central to the success of the stores are the high-quality items that are consistently donated for resale. Shoppers commonly find brand new or barely used clothing, house wares, books and a myriad of other treasures – a Mecca for budget shoppers and collectors alike. And it’s not unusual to receive donations of special, high-value or collectable items like precious jewelry, signed and original artwork, hand woven rugs, antique furniture and more. Many of these items are sold directly from the Gift & Thrift locations.

Others are used for silent auction and raffle items for Hospice of the Foothills fundraising events. Most recently, to ensure the most value is realized from

our community’s generous donations, an eBay store was created for Hospice of the Foothills. The eBay store provides the opportunity to broaden our reach to buyers across the country and maximize the benefit from donations of special interest items and high value pieces.

Come see for yourself why Hospice Gift & Thrift has been voted the ‘Best of Nevada County’ for 10 straight years. Whether you choose to shop at one of the ‘brick and mortar’ locations or the eBay store, you’re sure to see something interesting. Maybe you’ll even find a treasure of your own!

To learn more about Hospice of the Foothills’ programs and services, the Gift & Thrift stores, how to make a donation or to link directly to our eBay store, visit www.hofo.org or call 530-272-5739.

Hospice of the Foothills Gift & Thrift Have you visited our stores lately?

Stop by our Nevada City & Penn Valley locations— you never know what treasures you may find!

Voted “Best of Nevada County” for ten straight years.

Visit our new eBay store! Find a direct link at www.hofo.org/gift-thrift-stores.

Penn Valley Gift & Thrift 17440 Penn Valley Dr. 530.432.7600

Nevada City Gift & Thrift 754 Zion Street 530.265.6500

To learn more about Hospice of the Foothills’ programs and services or how to make a donation, visit www.hofo.org or call 530-272-5739.

of compassionate care

FREE LUNCH AND LEARN Complimentary Lunch Provided Reverse Mortgages & Reverse Mortgages for Home Purchase Thursday, July 10 • 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ~ Humpty Dumpty Kitchen • Reverse mortgage fundamentals: establishing a credit line: life time income or periodic payments, payoff of your mortgage, and understanding the new Hybrid Reverse Mortgage and the HECM CAP5 Reverse Mortgage, we are the first to have them!

WHEN A NURSING HOME ISN’T THE ANSWER

Wouldn’t it be great to have assisted living in the privacy and comfort of your own home?

That’s why so many seniors and their families choose certified in-home care from Partners In Care.

As the exclusive local provider of Certified Companion Aides (CCAs)®, Partners In Care helps you live life on your own terms, in your own style and without burdening family.

Affordable rates available from 1 hour to 24-hour care.

Call today for a free assessment and list of services

(530) 268-PIC3 (7423) www.picseniorcare.com

• Have questions answered that are important to YOU. • Hear about changes coming to the program in July of 2014.

• Discover little known reverse mortgage program customizations that could make a difference in deciding if this is a good fit for your retirement goals.

• Learn how to shop lenders to compare fees, interest rates and service.

With an office conveniently located in Grass Valley, Shawna McDonald has specialized in real estate and reverse mortgages for over 25 years. In 2012 Scotsman’s Lending Industry Guide named Shawna the # 1 nationwide reverse mortgage loan officer; in that year no other loan officer in the nation completed as many reverse mortgages as she did.

“The most gratifying part of my work is helping seniors to “age in place”, retain complete home ownership rights, with more financial security and independence then they ever thought possible.”

Drawing for a $50.00 Local Business Gift Card Thursday, July 10 • 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ~ Humpty Dumpty Kitchen Limited Seating, Reservation Required. Homeowners 61 years and older For Reservations Call:

530-497-3010

Sierra Foothills Reverse Mortgage 412 East Main St. Suite N Grass Valley, CA 95945

Shawna McDonald

WE OFFER CONVENIENT 1 STOP LOAN FEE SHOPPING and WHOLESALE PRICING:

Authorized representatives of: Security 1 Lending, American Advisors Group, Urban Financial, Liberty Reverse, Live Well Financial, Reverse Mortgage Funding, Generation Mortgage NMLS #271335 | Cal BRE #00585530 Borba Investments, Inc, dba MLS Mortgage, Auburn California. Cal BRE #01456165 HUD Approved Lender

2 | June 24, 2014 | Senior Living | The Union

New certification for caregivers raises the bar for in-home senior care T

by Shaun Clinkinbeard, President and Founder, Partners in Care he senior care industry has grown dramatically in recent years along with the number of seniors needing care.

Some seniors move into assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities as chronic conditions begin to affect their daily lives.

Many more, however, are choosing to remain in their own homes with the help of companion caregivers. But the quality of caregivers can vary greatly, and because the job is only supervised periodically, if at all, home care comes with a set of uncertainties all its own.

Independent caregivers – also called personal care attendants, homemakers, caregivers and companions – typically perform housekeeping, laundry, meal prep and errand services.

Some provide personal care assistance. A growing number of them are the sole custodians of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. So the responsibility each caregiver bears can be very great. In contrast,

measure of skill is among state certified nursing assistants and home health aides, most of whom work in hospitals, facilities and home health companies.

It’s clear, however, that the majority of seniors prefer to remain at home and will rely on companion caregivers for ongoing assistance.

So what is the solution?

The Senior’s Choice, Incorporated, an international leader in the companion care industry, has an answer – a new level of senior companion caregiver, the Certified Companion Aide, (CCA®).

Steve Everhart, president and founder of The Senior’s Choice stated, “The mission is simple, we want to ensure the best home care possible for seniors – they’ve earned it, they deserve it. The CCA® stands head and shoulders above standard agency caregivers in both education and skill. And the type of person drawn to the CCA is big hearted and committed to exemplary senior service.”

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Some seniors move into assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities as chronic conditions begin to affect their daily lives. Many more, however, are choosing to remain in their own homes with the help of companion caregivers.

however, the occupational characteristics as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are characterized by low skill requirements and high emotional demands.

Frequently, independent caregivers rely only on care experience they gained while caring for an ailing family member. Certainly personal experience can vary greatly.

According to Shaun Clinkinbeard, owner of Partners In Care, LLC, “Training, or lack of it, is the issue. We’ve always insisted on a standardized

training program for our caregivers. But we’re an exception. Many companion care companies, some of them franchises, offer very limited caregiver training.

And some provide no skills training at all, to their employees. That’s a scary situation when you are hiring someone to take care of yourself or a loved one.”

Most care agencies depend on the personal experience each new caregiver brings with them. Without a training program, there’s no predictable skill standard. The only consistent

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In the program, caregivers study 19 core subjects relating to senior care and pass a battery of tests to acquire the coveted certification. The process prepares caregivers to consistently and professionally perform exceptional in-home care for seniors who choose to remain independent at home as long as possible.

“We’re very excited to be part of this exemplary training. It’s only available to companion care companies that belong to The Senior’s Choice. Our caregivers are great people who give tirelessly of themselves to help seniors.

Now they have something that shows their level of dedication. The caregivers benefit by the additional education and our senior clients will certainly benefit through the CCAs’ service. At the heart of it, that’s what counts,” said Clinkinbeard.

For more information about Certified Companion Aides, call 530- 268-PIC3 (7423).

For more information

530.274.2320

300 Sierra College Drive, #165, Grass Valley, CA 95945 www.springhillpt.com

CalBRE #01316882

INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING and PRE-MEMORY CARE

Where Residents are Number One

“Feels like home” and so much more...

GREAT care ... GREAT people worry-free

assisted living for your loved ones.

Eskaton Village Grass Valley was voted BEST Assisted Living and BEST Alzheimer’s Care Community for 2013 by readers of The Union — and that’s the 10th year in a row!

THANK YOU! And may we humbly admit that the reason we are number one is because our residents are number one with us.

Live here ... Live Like You are Number One (because you are.)

• Independent living apartments with convenient services • Private assisted living apartments with “assistance as you need it” options • Fitness center with gym, swimming pool, warm-water spa

• Companionship • Housekeeping • Activities • Laundry • Medication Administration • Meals and much more Since 1984

Eskaton Village Grass Valley Multi-Level Community 625 Eskaton Circle, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Assisted Living Residence

389 Joerschke Dr., Grass Valley 273-4849

530-268-5638

Next to Springhill Manor Skilled Care & Rehab Lic. #295001463

Lic. # 297001933 A California Nonprofit Corporation

eskaton.org

June 28

! u o y t u o b a l It’s al

10am-5pm Holiday Inn Express, Grass Valley 50 HEALTHY LIVING EXPO +

Admission: $2.00 or a non-perishable food item for Nevada County Food Bank.

This event will focus on healthy, active and happy living for the 50+ age group.

Come learn about health and fitness, travel, finances, nutrition, outdoor fun, fashion & more! Free door prizes!

For more information, or vendor information, contact:

Event Manager Mary Anne Davis at The Union, 530-477-4241 or email mdavis@theunion.com.

Or Director of Creative Marketing Julia Stidham at The Union, 530-477-4243 or email jstidham@theunion.com.

Senior Living | The Union | June 24, 2014 | 3

Exercise and the older woman Metro Creative

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he aging process has a way of making people risk-averse. Financial advisors typically recommend that men and women steer clear of risky investments as they age, and men and women over 50 often make lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing certain medical conditions. As women age, some may feel exercise is simply too risky. Hormonal changes brought on by aging decrease a woman's bone density, and that fact makes many women over 50 hesitant to embrace exercise. But exercise plays a key role in helping women over 50 secure their long-term health and reduce their risk of injury.

• Exercise promotes independence. Some women feel that exercising after 50 increases their risk of injury, which can make them overly dependent on their loved ones.

But exercise, in particular

METRO CREATIVE

Exercise plays a key role in helping women over 50 secure their long-term health and reduce their risk of injury.

strength training, slows bone deterioration, helping bones stay stronger longer and reducing a woman's risk of suffering a potentially debilitating injury.

Independence is especially important to seniors, many of whom spent years planning their retirements and awaiting the day when they would be free to travel at

their leisure. Daily exercise can help women maintain that independence by reducing their risk of injury and other ailments that can be confining.

• Exercise can improve sleep. Some women who are fighting fatigue may feel that routine exercise will only make them more tired. But exercise actually improves

Wills & Trusts • Probate Estate Administration Special Needs Trusts Medi-Cal for Long-Term Care Conservatorships VA Benefits for Assisted Living & In-Home Care

FREE 38-Page Nursing Home & Assisted Living Guide & Free Information on Veterans’ Benefits

PLEASE CALL US AT (530) 265-3952 The Law Office of Edward E. Hawkins

105 Providence Mine Road, Suite 101, Nevada City

Mondays July 14, Aug. 18, Oct. 13 at 2 or 7 pm Siena’s Grill & Café ( formerly Perko’s) 1000 Plaza Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 Part D prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plans may be discussed.

of motion while reducing her risk of heart disease.

• It's never too late to start exercising. Many aging women feel their time to embrace exercise has long since passed. But it's never too late to start exercising. Women should take a conservative approach when exercising after a long hiatus, beginning with a slow walk around the neighborhood or a local park. Walking is a great beginner's exercise, as it provides a good cardiovascular workout while working a variety of muscle groups.

As your body readjusts to physical activity, gradually increase the intensity of your exercise sessions, adding some strength training, ideally under the supervision of a professional. Always stretch immediately after each exercise session, and give your body ample time to recover, especially when you begin your new regimen.

Welcome to allergy season

Celebrating 11 Years of Elder Law in Nevada County • • • • • •

energy levels and makes it easier to get a better night's rest. Numerous studies have shown that routine exercise can improve sleep quality and even increase energy levels throughout the day, something that should raise an eyebrow among women who do not exercise but routinely find themselves fighting fatigue. A more quality night's rest improves vitality, making it easier for women to exercise and make it through the day without feeling fatigued.

• Exercise benefits those with limited mobility.

Women over 50 with limited mobility may feel that exercise serves no purpose because of their disability or physical condition.

But even women confined to wheelchairs or those forced to walk with a cane or walker can benefit from cardiovascular exercise and even light strength training. Such exercises can improve a woman's range

A

Dr. Tanya Markis-Meyer President, Grass Valley Eyecare

llergies seem to be at their worst this year, and are making my patients very uncomfortable. But, it may not always be allergies. When your eyes are red and irritated, it’s hard to know whether you’re suffering from allergies or dry eyes. Fortunately, treatments for both can be fairly simple once the proper diagnosis is determined.

Allergies can turn your eyes red and watery. They often come with itching and other allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or even hives. Allergies can come from a wide variety of causes such as animals, mold, dust or pollen. There are some over the counter medications we often recommend that can help to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the discomfort. If needed, prescription eye drops can be used if necessary.

Unlike allergies, dry eyes shouldn’t itch or accompany hives and a runny nose. They may feel scratchy, almost like

Tanya Markis-Meyer, OD Mark Byers, OD

you have sand in them. Although there are also over the counter eye drops that can help with dry eyes, sometimes they require prescription medication to really take care of the symptoms.

If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you remove your contacts and not wear them while you are experiencing allergy or dry eye symptoms. This is one of the many reasons you should always have an updated pair of glasses in addition to contact lenses.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of allergies or dry eyes, it is always best to make an appointment for proper diagnosis and then follow the care instructions your doctor provides.

Dr. Tanya Markis-Meyer is the President of Grass Valley Eyecare located at 670 Sutton Way in Grass Valley.We accept most major insurance companies and we are a VSP Network Office. Give us a call 530-273-6000 to set your appointment.

• Comprehensive Eye Care • Contact Lenses • Optical Lab On-site • Certified in Treatment & Management of Ocular Disease including Glaucoma Most insurance accepted including Medicare

670 Sutton Way, GV (530) 273-6000 gveyecare.com

AARP Auto Insurance Program Hartford AARPfrom Auto The Insurance Program Now available fromInsurance your local independent agent!

AARP Auto Program from The Hartford Call Today for your FREE, no-obligation quote: from The Hartford Now available from your local independent agent!

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The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford CT 06155. CA license number 5152. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. AARP does not employ or endorse The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, agents or brokers.

You havelicense the option of purchasing a policy directly from ThebyHartford.

Your price, inhowever, could vary, and you not have the advice, The AARP Program from The is underwritten Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Onewill Hartford Hartford CT Automobile 06155. CAInsurance number 5152.

AARPHartford membership is required for Program eligibility most states.

AARP does not employ orPlaza, endorse counsel or services ofYou your independent agent.

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CA license number 5152. AARPa policy membership required for Program in most states.

AARPand does or the endorse agents or brokers. have the option of purchasing directlyisfrom The Hartford.

Youreligibility price, however, could vary, younot willemploy not have advice, agents or services brokers. You haveindependent the option ofagent. purchasing a policy directly from The Hartford. Your price, however, could vary, and you will not have the advice, counsel of your counsel or services of your independent agent.

4 | June 24, 2014 | Senior Living | The Union

Understanding probate

by Edward E. Hawkins, Attorney at Law ost everyone tries a will, probate is necessary to avoid probate. where the decedent's propThis inclination is someerty has a total value in extimes based only upon the cess of $150,000, does not oft-repeated phrase, "You pass to the surviving spouse, must avoid probate!," with and no arrangements have little understanding of why been made for the passage probate should be avoided. of the property outside of In other cases, abhorrence probate (such as by benefiis actually based on horror ciary designation, through a stories about the length and revocable "living" trust or by cost of the probate process. joint tenancy).

However, for some esThe property of the tates, probate is the only way decedent, called the "estate," to distribute assets and may, must then be probated in in fact, be the best way to order to have it pass to the reduce or eliminate creditor deceased person's heirs claims. This article explores or beneficiaries. The term some of the basics of the pro- "heirs" is used when there is bate process and attempts no will, and the term "beneto clarify some common ficiaries" is used when there misunderstandings. is a will designating the What is Probate? persons to receive property.

"Probate" is the overall Intestate Succession name given to the process If a person dies without whereby a court distributes a will, the laws of the State the assets of a deceased per- of California will determine son. In short, whether the your heirs. Generally speakperson dies with or without ing, and with a few notable

M

exceptions, the box below right shows where your estate goes under California law (referred as "the law of intestate succession") Is Probate Necessary?

In California, probate is not necessary to transfer assets to a surviving spouse.

However, a special Court Order, called a "Spousal Property Order" may still be required to transfer certain assets, such as real estate and stocks.

Other property can pass outside the probate process by means of "probate avoidance devices", such as joint tenancy deeds, "pay on death" accounts, and assets payable to named beneficiaries, such as life insurance and pension plan death benefits.

If there is under $150,000 in value remaining in the estate after deducting property that passes outside

the estate through "probate avoidance devices," you may be able to take advantage of summary probate proceedings. These summary proceedings allow you to transfer all the personal property with a one-page affidavit, and real property with a value of up to $20,000 may be transferred by the affidavit procedure. Title to real property worth between $20,000 and $150,000 may be transferred in a simplified court procedure.

HEIRS Children, but no spouse, parents, or siblings

Edward E. Hawkins, Attorney at Law, is an Elder Law Attorney in Nevada County.

For more information on the probate process, or how to avoid probate, please contact the office at 530-265-3952.

In addition, information on Veteran's Benefits to pay for Assisted Living, Medi-Cal to pay for a Nursing Home and new editions of the free Nursing Home & Assisted Living Guide for Nevada & Placer Counties, will be sent out promptly upon request.

WHO INHERITS

Children in equal shares

Spouse, but no children, parents, or siblings

Spouse inherits everything

Parents, but no children, spouse, or siblings

Parents inherit everything

Siblings, but no children, spouse, or parents A spouse and children

A spouse and parents

Siblings inherit everything

A spouse and siblings, but no parents or children

Spouse inherits all community property. Separate property is divided equally between spouse and child. If more than 1 child, then 1/3 to spouse & 2/3rds to children.

Spouse inherits all community property. Separate property is divided equally between spouse and parents.

Spouse inherits all community property.

Separate property is divided equally between spouse & siblings.

Medicare options when traveling or moving

by David Unterman, Best Policy

F

or many people with Medicare, there’s no problem. Just find a phone book where you are, or ask around, and call a doctor.

If you have a Medicare and a Medicare Supplement, you can use any doctor, hospital or other health care provider anywhere in the USA who accepts Medicare.

That’s the big majority of providers. Whether it’s a vacation trip or a permanent move, your Medicare Supplement will work fine.

Your ID card for one of these usually says “Medicare Supplement” and then a letter F, N, A, C, K or H. If you make a permanent move to a more populated area, you may have some interesting options during the fall “open enrollment”

period, and we’ll talk about that shortly.

For people who have a “Medicare Advantage” plan, there can be issues when you travel. These are plans such as Secure Horizons, MedicareComplete

but don’t expect ongoing care or checkups. Those happen through your primary doctor and your local network at home.

If you move permanently, you definitely should change your Medicare

“If you have Medicare and a Medicare

Supplement, you can use any doctor, hospital, or other health care provider anywhere in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.

”

and Kaiser Senior Advantage, that usually have a built-in prescription plan, and a “primary care” doctor that refers you to others.

With Medicare Advantage, you can get emergency treatment for a sudden problem when you travel,

Advantage coverage. The good news is that once you notify the insurance company of your move, you can get coverage from any insurance program that’s active in your new area, and you may choose either a Medicare Supple-

Media attention develops with the reverse mortgage

T

Find out how to save money on prescriptions drugs.

Learn about Medicare Savings Programs and the Limited Income Subsidy:

balance, offering methods such as selling the home or taking out a conventional mortgage on the property.

Additionally, Fox News discloses that reverse mortgage lenders are required under federal law to provide up to a 30-day window for heirs to determine what they’ll do with the home. Should an heir choose to retain it, they will then be allotted up to six months to arrange the sale or financing.

Fox News is the most recent mainstream publication to dip into the realm of reverse mortgage Q and A, with others like the Chicago Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times addressing readers’ questions, comments and concerns in the past month. This coincides with the growing interest related to the reverse mortgage product.

For more information, Michelle Belmonte, NMLS 33076530, American Financial Network, 120 N Auburn St., Ste. 160 Grass Valley, 530-272-7508.

Are you a senior? Do you have a disability?

Can’t do what you used to? Want to do more?

FREED HAS A DEVICE-LENDING LIBRARY borrowing an assistive device may help you with issues regarding vision, hearing, weak hands, speech communication, mobility & more.

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477-3333 (V) 477-8194 (TTY) freed.org/services/assistive-technology

options, and several key deadlines, and much more, will be covered, if you have about an hour and a quarter to spare some Monday soon—either July 14, August 18, October 13 or 27.

These are “intro to Medicare” sessions, aimed especially at 64 year olds, but also useful for reviewing and refreshing your knowledge. Come at either 2 or 7 p.m., enjoy lemonade or a muffin with us, there’s no cost or obligation. We’re at Siena’s Grill, formerly Perko’s, at 1000 Plaza Drive in Glenbrook. Just have a question or do you want to meet privately?

Call David Unterman at 272-4650 or email david@ bestpolicyhealth.com

Medicare has programs that can improve your quality of life!

by Michelle Belmonte, Mortgage Loan Specialist he latest in a series of consumer-facing media attention for reverse mortgages, Fox Business News, addresses several concerns regarding what happens to the property in the event of a borrower’s death.

An anxious reverse mortgage heir wrote a letter to Fox’s “Ask the Experts,” expressing concern for what can happen to his borrowing father’s home when he eventually passes away.

Specifically, the heir inquired about whether or not the lender takes control of the house following the borrower’s death and if the mortgage company requires the balance of the loan be repaid.

“Any remaining equity remains with the homeowners ,” Fox News replied. “If your father stays in the home until he dies, whoever inherits the home would have to pay off the loan balance.”

The article then goes on to suggest how the heir can repay the loan

ment or an Advantage type plan. The new company has to accept you. This is a valuable benefit, but it’s only available for 2 months after you move. Or you can start the process a month before moving.

A Nevada County resident who moves permanently to a bigger town— even to Placer County—will find that the Medicare Advantage programs there have better terms, lower cost and lower deductibles than our one program up here. The details vary county by county and year by year, and are worth checking out during the October 15 - December 7 open enrollment after you’ve moved.

All your local Medicare

• Helps pay for Medicare Premiums • Eliminates Part D premium and deductible • Significantly lowers drug co-pays.

Call HICAP at 273-2273

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NEVADA CEMETERY DISTRICT

ELSTER MEMORIAL Elster Memorial Cemetery VETERANS SECTION Veterans Section

18 PUBLIC CEMETERIES

In Nevada County

As a public cemetery and a special District of the State of California, the Nevada County voters in 1942 formed the Nevada Cemetery District. Under the direction of a five-member board of trustees the “endowment care” cemetery district is able to provide a wide variety of interment and service choices in 16 active public historical natural cemeteries and 2 new beautiful park-like lawn cemeteries. The District provides affordable choices and a distinctive place of interment for residents of Western Nevada County.

CEMETERY SERVICES INCLUDE: • • • • •

In-ground plots for burials and cremation Columbaria, scattering gardens, ossuaries for cremains Plot and Niche vaults, openings and closings Canopy and chairs for services Weekday and Saturday services

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Nevada Cemetery District 10523 Willow Valley Road Nevada City, CA 95959 530-265-3461 nevadacemeterydistrict.com