Wise Guide 2023/2024

Hindsight is 2020 Not “Special Needs”

Fentanyl Awareness

by Carrie McKinley, CPP, BLS, AAC Prevention Services Program Manager Pend Oreille County Counseling Services

What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is tasteless, odorless, and extremely potent. To put it into perspective, a dose of fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Every person is different, but two salt-sized grains of fentanyl can be enough to cause an adult to overdose. Fentanyl is not created in a regulated lab. Instead, it’s mixed into pills and powders and the amount distributed is totally random. Every pill starts out as powder. Since it’s very cheap to make and very strong, it’s added to increase the distributor’s profit of their product (painkillers, benzodiazepine, and more). These drugs are known as “Counterfeit Killers” because they are disguised as something else such as oxycontin. If you wouldn’t play Russian Roulette, you should not buy “prescription pills” on the street or ONLINE due to the high possibility they could be laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. The risk is real since fentanyl cannot be seen and there is no way to know if it’s been evenly distributed into each dose. This means that ANY pill, bump, line, or hit could be the one that causes an overdose, even if another one didn’t. These pills look real, so when buying them online, from your friends, from friends of friends, or even from typical dealers, they won’t necessarily know if their supply is laced. Please know, if your pills are not prescribed directly to you, they could be deadly.

#NewportKnows

Fentanyl is also strongly associated with much higher rates of fatal overdose among young adults than other forms of opioids in the recent past. A pill that looks like a legal prescription opioid may provide a false sense of safety, especially among younger people who are less experienced with drug use and who, in general, tend to underestimate personal risks compared to older adults. A very small amount of fentanyl produces a very strong effect quickly (often within seconds) that also goes away quickly (within minutes). The rapid and short effect of fentanyl means that it is has very high addiction potential as well as very high overdose potential. Because fentanyl causes rapid tolerance, people who use it regularly will quickly need more drug to get equal effect.

Younger adults may believe they cannot “become addicted” to fentanyl because they are healthy, using a pill that does not look illegal, and they are not injecting it. However, many people are quickly becoming addicted to opioids who have used no opioid other than fentanyl and have never injected it. For those who are using fentanyl regularly and having bad effects (e.g., overdose, loss of control over use, and/or craving) they may well have opioid use disorder. Fentanyl is on a trajectory to increase opioid addiction and overdose among young adults and replace heroin as the predominant opioid among those 30 and older.

Continued on Page 4

According to the Bonner County Sheriff’s office:

- Fentanyl is involved in MORE deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, and all other accidents.

- Practically all the pills seized by law enforcement are fake, and 40% contain a potentially LETHAL amount of fentanyl.

- Fentanyl is involved in more American youth drug deaths than heroin, meth, cocaine, benzos, and Rx drugs COMBINED.

- Fake pills have been found in ALL 50 states. Assume any prescription medication you see online is fake, including Oxy, Percocet, and Xanax.

- Fentanyl is cheap, potent, and profitable, so dealers use it to make fake pills. It can also be found in party drugs like cocaine and MDMA.

- Illegally made fentanyl is the primary driver of the recent increase in all U.S. overdose deaths. Fentanyl involved deaths are FASTEST growing among 14 to 23 year-olds.

What we can do

Fentanyl use and overdose deaths appear to be occurring primarily among three groups:

• young adults inexperienced with opioids.

• young adults with rapid onset opioid use disorder (addiction); and

• older adults with ongoing opioid use disorder (who are often switching from heroin). Anyone who uses fentanyl/opioids, along with their friends and family, should know how to prevent an overdose, recognize the signs of overdose, and know how to respond and use the overdose reversal drug, naloxone. Information about opioid overdose, fentanyl, and how to get naloxone can be found here: https://stopoverdose. org/section/fentanyl/

It starts with one person spreading awareness and knowledge, please help us share this important and lifesaving information https://getthefactsrx.com/.

Carrie McKinley, CPP is the Prevention Program Manager at Pend Oreille County Counseling Services and a Certified Prevention Professional. She has been with the Prevention Department for 10 years and leads a team in implementing the Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative (CPWI) in Pend Oreille County.

Carrie has a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University and is currently a graduate student at Boise State University studying clinical social work.

Pend Oreille County Prevention, Carrie McKinley

cmckinley@pendoreille.org

Newport Youth Task Force, Beverly Sarles

bsarles@pendoreille.org

Selkirk Wellness Coalition, Helene Rasmussen

hrasmussen@pendoreille.org

Banta-Green, C.J. (2021). Fentanyl data trends.

Presentation to Transforming our Communities June 30, 2021

Washington state opioid trends: Deaths (uw.edu)

https://adai.uw.edu/wadata/

deaths.htm

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The In-Home, In-Patient & Out-Patient Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation MezaCare Post Acute & Long Term Care Pg 9 North Idaho Home Health Pg 5 Recreation Kalispel RV Resort & Casino Pg 15 Veterans Veterans Resources/Service Officers Pgs 28, 29

2023/2024 (208) 255-5950 info@thewiseguideonline.com

Moonlight Raccoons

- 13” x 16” on thin shale rock, mounted and ready to hang, unique & original

On The Cover About the Artist

Ma Brown Robbins

Last One Out! 18” x 24” Oil - 2 riders bringing in the last stubborn bull, before winter show is too deep. Limited Edition, Giclee Prints Available

isHindsight 2020

Not “Special Needs”

Fentanyl Awareness

The Good (For You) Fight

Ma is a lovely lady with talent beyond measure. You can find more of her work at western-art.com and also at https://fineartamerica.com/art/ma+brown+robbins Ma prefers to paint in acrylic & oils on every medium imaginable — Custom Orders Welcome! on Canvas, Feathers, Stone, Saws & More! Originals, Artists Proofs & Limited Edition Canvas and Watercolor Prints are available. To purchase work, call her at 406-849-5002 or email: marlarobbins12@gmail.com.

art

COVER ART: Barn Buddies, by Ma Brown Robbins.

Bluebird on Leaf - matted and framed 8” x 18” original

Diamond T Truck & Grizzlies! 22” x 28” Oil

Mind Over

Matter (MOM): Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder

More than 60% of older U.S. women suffer from urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or both. In addition to reducing women’s quality of life, these conditions may also increase the risk for institutionalization when women become unable to care for themselves at home. Fortunately, many women’s symptoms can be reduced or even cured without medication or surgery.

Mind Over Matter (MOM): Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder, is a free program, proven to help older women avoid or improve symptoms of incontinence (bladder and bowel leakage). It was developed in 2019 by the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging after a 2017 study showed that its techniques work.

The reason the Mind Over Matter program is so effective is because it builds skills and self-efficacy to make behavior changes that have been proven to improve bladder and bowel health. Doing pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises, changing fiber and fluid intake, and changing toileting practices have all been proven to improve bladder and bowel symptoms in research studies.

The free workshop includes three, two-hour sessions on Zoom. The program has shown that 71% of participants had lasting improvement in bladder symptoms and 55% had lasting improvement in bowel symptoms three months after completing the Mind Over Matter workshop.

Participants will learn how to relax, strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles that support the openings of the bladder and bowels. Many women have heard of Kegel exercises, but may not know how to do a pelvic floor muscle contraction correctly. Learning how to relax those muscles is an equally important component often overlooked.

Participants learn a combination of strategies for preventing or improving incontinence, including understanding how the bladder, bowels, and pelvic floor muscles work together; building confidence to set and achieve goals; learning to do low-impact

pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) while seated; adjusting fluid and fiber intake to improve bladder and bowel function; as well as how to seek care from health professionals for solutions and specialists if symptoms continue.

It’s not difficult, and if you seriously wish to improve or prevent incontinence issues, this free workshop will show you how.

Provided by Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho

by Michael Meza, MD, MezaCare

We all know our bodies change with age. But what we sometimes forget is that as we age, our bodies are less able to process medications safely, often leading to less benefit and more side effects or adverse drug events. Many medications depend on normal functioning kidneys and liver, but also appropriate water and fat content to move into the tissue being affected. And many medications need close monitoring to see if they are working properly and not causing more harm than good.

Monitoring of medications should occur at any age, but as we get older, it’s even more important to pay attention to our prescriptions and even our over the counter medications. We should not only read about the potential side effects, but know what the goal is for each medication, when it benefits us and when the benefits have been reached. We should keep a list of all our medications, know what they are for and discuss them with our healthcare provider at each visit.

Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to take on more risks with medications than when we were younger. These risks could include different adverse drug events including falls, cognition or memory loss, low blood pressure or other complications.

This is why healthcare providers should consider deprescribing medications for older adults whenever possible. Deprescribing is the concept of decreasing the number of medications, including Over the Counter medications in patients who are getting older or who are at greatest risk of adverse drug events. Every medication should have the maximum level of benefits with the least risks. Taking our age into consideration and applying these concepts could be critical to your health. As a Health Care provider, I constantly look at the potential for “drug-drug interactions, duplication of therapy (two or more medications

Deprescribing

for the same problem, when not necessarily needed), duration of benefit for each medication and of course cost.

I especially pay attention to the “Beers criteria” which is a list of medications which have higher risks of side effects particularly in the elderly. These medications should be avoided whenever possible. The list is long and includes something as simple as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine, such as in your Tylenol PM) or as complex as Ambien (Zolpidem) or benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Ativan and many others. Look it up and compare this list to what is in your medicine cabinet. Being proactive could prevent an Emergency Room visit, hospitalization or worse.

But of course, before you do anything, take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Be prepared for each and every visit and have the

discussion to see which medications are truly necessary based on efficacy, benefits and potential for side effects, based on your age and goals of care.

A free copy of the Pocket Guide to the 2019 AGS Beers Criteria can be found at this link: http://files.hgsitebuilder.com/ hostgator257222/file/ags_2019_beers_ pocket_printable_rh.pdf

In addition to serving patients where they live, we also have opened a Concierge Clinic for those living independently. No matter where you live in our region, learn more about our services at MezaCare.com and give our office a call at 208-819-2183 for more information or to request an appointment. We accept all insurances and will make the on boarding process very easy for you.

We look forward to taking care of you and becoming your primary care provider.

Dr. Meza has been an Idaho-based physician for over 25 years. After graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Dr. Meza began providing full spectrum family medical care in Orofino, Idaho and to all residents in the region. In 2012, Dr. Meza and his wife Casey moved to Coeur d’ Alene and began serving the geriatric and rehabilitative patients. Dr. Meza provides medical care to residents of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and independent living facilities. He is the medical director for many of the local and regional skilled nursing facilities and works collaboratively with several of the hospitals to insure safe transitions of care. He has been nominated twice for Idaho Physician of the year.

We Deliver Care to Seniors Right Where They

Give our office a call at 208-819-2183 for more information or to request an appointment.

We accept all insurances and will make the onboarding process very easy for you.

We look forward to taking care of you and becoming your primary care provider.

Dr. Meza and his medical team deliver convenient, compassionate primary care, including lab services, mobile x-ray, and ultrasound, for patients and residents of Post Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities and associated Independent Living Facilities in our region. The care teams at all facilities have access to Dr. Meza’s team 24/7 and will always have their questions answered by our team member who is well-versed in this arena of healthcare while having access to all current medical records necessary to make safe and rapid clinical decisions.

Lisa Kailey, NP

Nathan Wheatley, PA

Brittany Johnson, PA

Joshua Price, PA Hollys Nielsen, NP

Alexandra Bellem, MD Jason Schwintek, MD

Michael Meza,MD

Erika Mikles, PA

Manuela Orban, N

Alison Wheatley, PA

Ahealthy smile is more than a way to dazzle those you flash it at; in fact, your oral health affects your overall health. Your mouth plays a crucial role for everything you do, so it’s important to keep your oral health in tip top shape. But sometimes that can be difficult.

Brushing and flossing are necessary because they’re the first line of defense that you manage at home. If you have difficulty gripping your toothbrush though, don’t give up! Try a larger handle for your toothbrush by adding a flexible bicycle handlebar grip or cut a slot in a tennis ball to fit the handle of your toothbrush into. The key is to brush regularly, at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

Flossing disrupts the bacteria below the gum line, it dislodges food particles bacteria thrive on, and keeps your gums healthy, helping you avoid gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. If it’s been a while, wrap about 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers. Use your index finger and thumb to guide the floss between your teeth. Slide the floss against the sides of each tooth and go under the gums slightly to scoop up plaque that collects there. Don’t saw it back and forth, you could cut your gum tissue that way. And again, if you have dexterity issues, there are flossing holders, picks, and other options available.

This is a lot of information, but it’s important to remain vigilant. See a dentist soon if you notice:

• Changes in the color or feel of your gums, lips, inside cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tongue. These may indicate conditions such as a vitamin deficiency, yeast infection, or oral cancer.

• Any lumps, thick or rough patches, or red or white spots that last longer than two weeks, even if they are small. Don’t wait!

• Bleeding gums if you are regularly brushing and flossing.

• Changes in the color of a single tooth, or black, brown, or green staining of teeth along the gum line.

• A loose tooth, or pus coming from the gums or around the teeth (i.e., an infection).

• A sudden change in how your dentures or partials fit.

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking, or a persistent feeling of something caught in your throat.

• Numb or painful areas, or difficulty chewing or moving your tongue.

As we age our oral health is as important as ever. Retirement might mean taking a break from your job, but your teeth never get a rest from theirs. See your dentist at least twice each year and protect your smile and yourself with good oral health.

Don’t lose the power of your smile!

Delta Dental of Idaho believes everyone deserves a healthy smile, which is why we created the GrinWell for You program for limited-income Idahoans ages 60 and above. There are no hidden fees, no deductibles, and no co-pays. We simply want you to have the best oral health possible. Long live smile power!

Some medications can lead to dry mouth, a condition that puts you at risk for cavities due to the lack of saliva necessary to wash away food and bacteria. To fight dry mouth, drink lots of water throughout the day and avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks. Chew sugarless gum or mints to increase saliva flow. If this doesn’t help, talk to your dentist or physician about saliva substitutes.

Health conditions, such as diabetes and vitamin imbalances, among others, show symptoms in the mouth. Likewise, diseases of the mouth—mostly gum disease—may be linked to

pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, among others. A dentist can tell a lot about your overall health by how your mouth looks. That’s why it’s important to continue to visit your dentist at least twice per year. If you need help getting dental care, Delta Dental of Idaho has a dental benefits program called GrinWell for You, for income-qualifying Idahoans ages 60 and above. Recipients get a one-time gift of $1,850 in free dental coverage to be utilized over a 12-month period. You can use the coverage for services such as:

• Exams & Fillings

For more information call 1-866-894-3563

• Cleanings

• X-rays

• Extractions

• Dentures and partials, including repairs

Call 1-866-894-3563 to learn more.

Delta Dental of Idaho believes everyone deserves a healthy smile, which is why we created the GrinWell for You program for limited-income Idahoans ages 60 and above. There are no hidden fees, no deductibles, and no co-pays. We simply want you to have the best oral health possible. Long live smile power!

North Idaho CASA: 30 years of Advocacy

By Kristin Linville Ludwig, Director of Development, North Idaho CASA

In 1993, before email and laptop computers were part of the workday, a phone would ring, and a message of a court date would be delivered by hand. Volunteers made house calls, and child visits were done in person, with no zoom option in sight. Reports were typed, and paper files were compiled, telling the stories of children in the foster care system. Doctors’ records and court documents of police reports, physical abuse seen by a pediatrician’s examination, and testimonies recorded by third-party witnesses all helped create a timeline worthy of needed intervention and advocacy for children who were placed in the Child Protection System.

Sitting down with Sandra Davis, she recounted when the concept of advocacy was only an idea. “Lorene Frank and I were volunteering at the Women’s Center in the early 90’s when I first moved to Coeur d’Alene. She was an experienced grant writer, and I was managing the financials for the Center at the time. A grant opportunity came up for state funds, servicing abused youth, so Lorene and I were tasked with providing a way the Women’s Center could begin to encompass Advocating for youth outside of the children we currently served that would accompany their abused mothers to the Center.” She recalled that the grant was easily written, and that the money was used to buy two desks and a phone and paid for a rental agreement at the Sherman Arms building for two rooms connected by a hallway. District 4 was an established CASA program and helped write that first grant. Once awarded, the ladies moved out of the Women’s Center and filed for their own EIN, and the First Judicial District CASA program was born.

Judges Swanstrom and Marano were initially skeptical but trusted Sandra and her ability to fight for the child’s best interest. This was not a new concept to her. She was the oldest sibling in a family where her stepfather was “no good,” so standing up for her younger siblings came naturally to her. She began her career in early childhood development and was a fourth-grade teacher for many years. Her sister came upon challenging times, was a victim of a house fire, and was left homeless with three young children. Sandra stepped in and Advocated for those children before it was even a thing. Little did she know that over the next seven years, she would personally be named in advocating for over 300 cases of child abuse and neglect in Northern Idaho.

As the program was gaining traction with the courts, Sandra was earning a stipend and training six volunteers. The judge’s office would call with cases, and she would go with volunteers to court until they were confident to take on the case themselves. Attorney Scott Nass thought very highly of Sandra’s work, which helped CASA be assigned in most cases, no matter the child’s age. In not so many words, he said it best: An unbiased third person, in these cases, is imperative. A person who can listen to the children and advocate for what they need, that is what a CASA is.

As North Idaho CASA celebrates its 30th year, it has come full circle for Sandra Davis, who has remained involved with the program as a past board member and a personal donor for over three decades. “When I first toured the CASA Center on 4th street in 2021, it was everything we had dreamed of for the program. A place to train, office space for Advocates to work, a staff to

support the volunteers, and this vital role in court for these kids continues. To be respected and to know we made a difference fighting for this program all those years ago makes me cry today.”

Susan Sotin, a pillar of the St. Maries community, reflects on her life as a CASA, “I have been a CASA since 1997, and the program has changed very little for me. I didn’t have a computer when I did my first case, so a friend invited me to her house and let me use her computer to type up my first report.”

“One of my earliest cases involved three children, six, three, & two years old. I was with a new CPS worker when the police were sent to pick up the children because of drugs in the home; the 3 yr. old little girl walked up to me and took my hand and said, “I grandma,” and walked out with me to the van with the social worker. I worked with their family for years, with the children going home with a parent and then coming back into the system. The mother of the 2 & 3-year-old kept trying to remain sober, but then she got pregnant with three more children. They all went into the same foster home one by one. Parental rights for all the children were finally terminated when that first little girl was around 8 years old. She was placed with her father and paternal grandparents. I see her now and then at school events, she is a Junior this year and doing well.”

Susan does not know how many children she has worked with over her 27 years, so many sad cases that were extremely hard to deal with at times, but she has always enjoyed working with the children, hoping to make a difference. “I believe I have, and I will continue to be a CASA for as long as I can. I have witnessed some parents can rise above where they were and raise great kids.

1993 – 2023 Celebrating 30 years of Advocacy

It is rewarding to watch these kids grow up and see some of them graduate at the top of their class. The whole process gives me hope for a better future.”

For over 25 years, Camie Wereley has advocated for child victims, “I started taking cases in 1997, and some kids were in foster care for so long. Things are much better now regarding time spent in foster care, although there are always exceptions. I appreciate the perspective I got during my two years as a CASA Supervisor. When I started as a volunteer, I carried about two cases at a time, each usually lasting a year (sometimes more). I felt discouraged when the case outcome was not what I felt was best for the child. Still, after my experience as a supervisor, I realized that overall, when the cases close, the outcome for the child was the best in the long run, and we DO make a difference in that child’s life.”

“Probably my most rewarding case was a mentally ill mother who had been dragging her three children all over the United States for three years. She said their father was dead and was believed to be true by Health & Welfare. I was able to track down the biological father. He and his wife (stepmother to the kids) had been trying to locate the children for years. The kids had barely been in school and the 12-year-old was very sad about how she and her two brothers had been treated. The father ended up winning full custody and the girl went on to finish college and the two boys followed in their father’s footsteps and have jobs in the oil industry,” recalls Bobbi Wolf, 26-year advocate with North Idaho CASA.

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By 2011, the program had grown to a 10-person Board of Directors and a paid Executive Director, Sandra Gunn. “I have had a longtime passion for helping children both in a therapeutic setting as a clinician and through CASA. The focus for both is to put our children first. The CASA program does just that with empathy, compassion, and the community at work to protect our children. To me, the program must embody both speaking and listening to move forward with the continuation of good advocacy.” Now, as a LMFT, she continues her work with at-risk children in the community.

Julia Blakeley sits on the National CASA Volunteer Council, representing the interests, views, and perspectives of volunteers throughout the country. Twelve members make up this distinguished group. Julia has been a CASA in Idaho for over seven years and was an advocate in Tennessee before moving to Coeur d’Alene. “The advocacy hasn’t changed. We have always fought, sometimes fiercely, for the child(ren) we serve. Our advocacy is not limited to court; we advocate for them at school, for obtaining needed services, and for placements that reflect their best interest. One advocate was able to request and receive a bicycle for one of her kids on their birthday; the only wish she has made with all her heart. What I see as having changed the most over the years is the support for advocates and, therefore, for children, through our local CASA, from donated items through the CASA Kids Closet, to pre-service training, and ongoing inservice training. The “mechanics” of being a CASA are so much easier.” Blakeley continued, “We are also, as a chapter, in the

I chose to volunteer at CASA because of the valuable, sometimes heart-wrenching work that our advocates do.

—Lori Whalen

enviable position of having enough volunteers to represent every child assigned by the court. That speaks positively of North Idaho CASA in several ways. It is fair to assume that our advocates feel well-trained and supported in their efforts and that they are positive about their experience when they talk to others in the community. Our supervisors are probably more available than is good for them, but it makes a tremendous difference to know that support is a call away when an urgent situation arises.”

Lora Whalen, retired Director of Panhandle Health District, and past President of the CASA Board of Directors, “I chose to volunteer at CASA because of the valuable, sometimes heartwrenching work that our advocates do. The support they provide to the most vulnerable of our children is priceless and whatever we as a community can do to assure that work continues is imperative.” Whalen had a leadership role in 2019 when CASA secured the funds to purchase The CASA Center for Child Victims building on 4th Street in Midtown Coeur d’Alene.

Over the last five years, CASA has successfully developed community relationships, cultivated donors, and hosted fundraising events that have shined a light on recruiting stable, caring volunteer advocates. Grants for direct-to-victim services have allowed the CASA Center to offer outreach programs outside the courtroom to foster families and school-aged kids, including Project Permanency, providing essentials to reunified families, and tutoring services through the CASA Learning Lab. Supplying unwavering advocacy in court will always be the CASA mission for as long as child abuse and neglect exist. Team CASA is proud to be celebrating 30 years of advocacy in 2023 and will continue the necessary work to fight for every child victim in having a life free of abuse and as a staff to ever pursue hope and healing to break the cycle of trauma for future generations.

Kristin Ludwig, Director of Development, and CASA team member has over 20-years experience in event planning, advertising and marketing. After moving to Coeur d’Alene in 2005, she became involved in local volunteer organizations and political campaigns, advocating for the good of the community. She has worked with the Coeur d’Alene Backpack Program since it’s inception and was lead planner on Wine, Women & Shoes for Idaho Youth Ranch.

Kalispel RV Resort and Kalispel Casino Close Enough to Getaway

by Lyndsey DuBrock, Marketing Strategist, Kalispel Tribe of Indians

Dreaming of a getaway that won’t break the bank? Located a short drive north from Spokane, and nestled in the heart of the spectacular Pend Oreille River Valley is Kalispel RV Resort, where you can easily find whatever adventure you seek. Open

year-round, this hidden gem is the perfect fit for all seasons. Whether you are off to snowshoe in the Selkirks or paddle the Pend Oreille, this resort is the perfect basecamp for your outdoor activities.

Drive along the picturesque International Selkirk Loop, where you

will encounter enchanting mountain panoramas of these glacially formed peaks and valleys. As you travel along this scenic byway from the small town of Usk to its neighbor Cusick, you emerge from the lush forest of towering pines into a valley where vast swaths of camas flowers transform these alluring meadows into an unending sea in shades of pale blue and lavender in the late Spring-early Summer.

Let the natural splendor of Northeast Washington charm you as you wander along the countless miles of trails throughout this region. You can hike, bike, or ride to the top of Calispel Peak for unparalleled views of the entire valley from resplendent fields of wildflowers including mountain lupine and Indian paintbrush. The wide range of available trails means there is a path for everyone, regardless of ability, from beginner to expert. To the south of this area, you can visit the Indian Creek Community Forest where interpretive trails allow you to meander among the fir, cedar, and pine trees.

This valley is also home to the Pend Oreille River Water Trail, which spans 70 miles from Oldtown, ID to Boundary Dam in Washington located just south of the Canadian border. This unique waterway is one of few in the country that actually flows north. You can spend the day paddling along in this idyllic riparian paradise which is home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

From the eagles and ospreys that soar above the river, swooping down occasionally to pluck a trout or a bass from the flowing stream to the majestic

tundra swans, whose annual return is a harbinger of warmer days on the horizon, this area is chock full of wildlife wonder. You may even catch sight of the elusive creature affectionally known as Sasquatch wandering the wilderness. If your timing is just right, you can join in on the fun at the annual Bigfoot Festival in Metalline Falls, which is dedicated to celebrating the internationally famous recluse that roams here “allegedly”.

If you’re looking for something with a little more high-speed action, then look no further than our area’s ATV and ORV parks which are a quick ride from the resort. Whether you’re out for a cruise in your side-by-side or seeking an action-packed afternoon on your ATV, the surrounding hills and mountains have what you’re looking for. Every summer, the Kalispel Tribe hosts an ATV poker ride up in the mountains, bringing in guests from all over to enjoy the Colville National Forests.

Once you have satisfied your need for the great outdoors, you can make plans to visit Kalispel Casino for an evening of Vegasstyle entertainment in a relaxed and intimate setting. The casino boasts over 150 slot machines and thrilling sports betting, along with Wetlands, a full-service restaurant serving up the best in local fare. If you’re over 21 and looking for a lively game of pool or shuffleboard to go with your after-adventure drinks, hit up the Slough – you will not be disappointed! For those under 21, pool and shuffleboard games are still an option, with tasty snacks available to whet your appetites.

After a night spent relaxing in one of the cozy cottages or spacious RV sites at the resort, you can head over to the Camas

Center for Community Wellness where a whole new world of indoor adventure awaits. You can scale the challenging rock climbing wall or spend the day swimming in the expansive pool area. This massive complex has everything you need to get in a quick workout or grab a game of hoops on the indoor basketball court.

On most days, you can catch a view of the Kalispel Tribe’s buffalo herd from the parking lot at the Camas Center. With over 100 head and growing, the herd is a sight that absolutely must be seen. Just be careful not to cross the fence line as these impressive but ornery creatures have been known to charge without warning. The view of the prairie spans right down to the water’s edge, and with the splendid Selkirks rising in the background, there are few places on Earth that rival the natural beauty of this place.

To learn more about Kalispel RV Resort, visit kalispelrvresort.com or call 509.447.7144. For more information about Kalispel Casino, visit kalispelcasino.com or call 833.881.7492.

Lyndsey DuBrock is a marketing professional with an extensive background in the hospitality and tourism industry. She has a lifelong passion for travel and exploration. She can often be found seeking adventure in her adopted homeland, the Pacific Northwest.

Recovery Navigator Program

Pend Oreille County Counseling Services (POCCS) has been the primary substance use disorder and mental health provider in Pend Oreille County for over 50 years. POCCS has been providing services such as outpatient treatment and behavioral health services, crisis services case management, and individual counseling.

Most recently, in January 2022, POCCS established the Recovery Navigator Program (RNP), contracted with Spokane County Regional Behavioral Health Administrative Organizations (SCRBH-ASOs). The purpose and intent of the RNP is to provide outreach and engagement services for those who have frequent contact with Law Enforcement or other First Responders. This program offers support and referral to treatment services to avoid further interaction with the criminal justice system. These services are available to individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This includes persons at risk of arrest, experiencing homelessness, poverty, and people who are not well served by office-based, appointment-based, time-limited care.

The Recovery Navigator Program is voluntary and noncoercive, with individuals referred to the RNP retaining the right to decline participation without fear of penalties or future repercussions. In addition, abstinence from substance use is not a requirement to receive services through the RNP.

There are three (3) types of referrals into the Recovery Navigator Program: 1) point of contact referrals by Law Enforcement; 2) social contact referral, these referrals can come from community service providers, community members and/ or friends/family and 3) Self-Referral, an individual can contact the RNP on their own behalf for services.

offered by Pend Oreille County Counseling Services

Pend Oreille county Counseling Services has several staff with lived experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, and/or traumatic conditions, and who have specialized training and supervision to guide and support people experiencing similar conditions. Services are provided through a Harm Reduction Framework Model;

• Meeting participants where they are at, regardless of the severity of their disorder.

• Participants are not penalized or denied services if they do not achieve or aim for abstinence from substances; and,

• Individuals continue to receive support even when they continue to struggle or engage in unlawful activities.

The Recovery Navigator Program meets people where they are physically, mentally, and emotionally, and works with participants to address and understand their needs and goals to create an individualized intervention plan.

All services provided through the Pend Oreille County Recovery Navigator Program are confidential and available to men, women, and youth. Services include but are not limited to;

• Peer to peer support.

• Referrals to medical or behavioral health providers, and community partners.

• Provide emotional and social support in making positive life changes and developing skills to facilitate recovery.

• Help develop a wellness plan.

• Provide support in accessing treatment and community resources.

• Explore treatment recovery options.

• Help clarify goals and strategies.

• Provide education and awareness.

Pend Oreille County Counseling Services mission is to support the health, resiliency, and recovery of the residents of Pend Oreille County through quality and effective prevention and behavioral healthcare treatment.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these services, please contact Pend Oreille County Counseling Services during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm) at 509-447-5651 or 800-404-5151 (TTY 800-833-6388).

Handbook for the (Eventually) Deceased

by Rebecca Eyman, Partner Coyle & Eyman Elder Law

Jerry Seinfeld once said, “A recent survey stated that the average person’s greatest fear is having to give a speech in public. Somehow this ranked even higher than death which was third on the list. So, you’re telling me that at a funeral, most people would rather be the guy in the coffin than have to stand up and give a eulogy.”

While it may not rank among your top fears, death is an uncomfortable topic for many of us. Thinking and talking about the end of our lives can be difficult. However, there is a new “death positivity movement” in the U.S. and other countries hoping to change our societal perception of death.

A growing profession attempting to dispel the taboo around death is that of end-of-life doulas, or “death doulas.” The term “doula” (which comes from the Greek word meaning “woman who serves”) is most often associated with the birth process; however, doulas can also serve those who are dying.

Death doulas, unlike hospice workers, are not involved in medical issues. Rather, they offer support for clients emotionally, physically, spiritually, and practically. They may be involved for only a few days leading up to death, or for many months following a terminal diagnosis.

According to the International End-of-Life Doula Association, doulas can serve terminal patients and their families in many ways, including:

• Provide the opportunity to speak openly and frankly about dying

• Explore the meaning of the dying person’s life and legacy

• Incorporate traditions or create new rituals to mark special moments

• Provide respite for exhausted caregivers

• Guide people through the early stages of grieving

There have also been novel advances in methods of counseling for the terminally ill. In Canada, physicians can request to have access to psilocybin (more commonly known as “magic mushrooms”) to be used for psychedelic-assisted therapy to address end-of-life anxiety.

Psychedelics encourage two things beneficial for mental health: neurogenesis (the formation of new brain cells) and neuroplasticity (the formation of neural connections in the brain). Psychedelic-assisted therapy allows the user to take a “holiday” from normal throughs, consider new perspectives, and live in the present moment. Those working in this field are facing the double stigma of psychedelic drug use and discussions of death.

Along with the advancement of attitudes towards death and dying, there are many helpful resources for those who need more guidance. One such resource is the book, A Beginner’s Guide to the End, by BJ Miller, MD and Shoshanna Berger. The authors address death and dying in an approachable way that avoids the morbid or maudlin. The book is an attempt to strip away some of the discomfort around the topic.

Let our team help plan for your future.

Our highly specialized legal professionals are dedicated to helping you navigate some of life’s most challenging decisions, including:

• Wills & Trusts

• Estate Planning

• Powers of Attorney

A Beginner’s Guide to the End notes some of the loaded terms around illness. Death can be unintentionally conveyed as a failure using phrases like, “Her health is failing.” Aging and the end of life comes for all of us, yet there is an attitude that enough vigilance and effort will keep the end of life at bay.

Aggressive “fighting words” are common when discussing illness and death, such as “beating death” and “battling cancer.” The authors of A Beginner’s Guide to the End argue that, next to birth, death is one of our most profound life experiences, which warrants us getting a little more comfortable with the idea. To this end, the book addresses topics such as planning a legacy or ethical will, understanding hospice and palliative care, communicating with family and friends, and prearranging funeral and burial plans.

Of course, as elder law attorneys, we at Coyle & Eyman think that comprehensive estate planning is a critical part of any conversation about death. We encourage all of our clients to maintain an upto-date will or trust, and Powers of Attorney which nominate your agents and set forth your directives and wishes. We also strive to de-mystify long-term care planning issues.

The attorneys at Coyle & Eyman Elder Law are here to help you navigate these difficult conversations. Call us at (208) 765-3595 or visit cwelp.com to learn more.

Rebecca Eyman is an Elder Law attorney and partner at Coyle & Eyman Elder Law in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Rebecca was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2012. As an Elder Law attorney, her practice includes estate planning, guardianships/conservatorships, probate/trust administration, and Medicaid/longterm care planning.

• Probates and Trust Estate Administration

• Guardianships and Conservatorship

• Other related Tax, Real Estate, and Financial issues facing seniors

Katherine M. Coyle is the region’s only certified elder law attorney—certified by the National Elder Law Foundation.

Rebecca Eyman and the rest of the team have the expertise and experience to guide you and your family each step of the way.

Hindsight is 2020

by the Auburn Crest Hospice Team

If “hindsight is 2020” then we’d like to share a few things Auburn Crest Hospice has observed and learned by looking back through the prism of the 6 senses.

SOUND

Two talented musicians from the 1950’s -1970’s, Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins, developed the music therapy approach as a means to engage vulnerable and isolated individuals through music. They recognized that all people regardless of pathology, illness, disability, trauma, or social isolation have the potential to make music. Participants experienced great satisfaction in the subsequent social interaction.

In response to the pandemic, group dynamics and the social benefits which individuals once realized from group musical experiences were not permitted. The Auburn Crest Hospice team has always been committed to enhancing the patient experience with music, if they so desire. As 2020 unfolded, group music experiences went virtual, and then virtually silent for those who could barely carry a tune in a bucket, unless others also brought their bucket. The vast majority of the public, and especially seniors, who would never sing solo (unless in the shower) would join in a group sing giving them a sense of familiarity and participatory appreciation of the activity. During the pandemic, local musicians braved North Idaho winter cold to provide hospice patients with music outside bedroom windows, in hallways, on patios, in living rooms, and at memorial gatherings from bagpipes to hand pans (the steel drum), guitar, cello, vocals, viola and violins. And now, more than ever, there is a return to social group musical experiences being created and shared once again!

TASTE and SMELL

So much more revolves around a meal than just the savored tastes and smells. When restaurant doors closed in 2020, shared meal experiences suffered. And, as TIME magazine noted in their November 8, 2014 article, “How Sharing Food Makes You a Better Person,” cultural rhythms were disrupted such as portioning food “fairly,” prioritizing of who goes first, and sacrificing for other’s desires. It was determined that a shared meal nurtures so Auburn Crest team members jumped into the gap and delivered fried chicken dinners with “all the fixins,” ice cream and gelato, soups and salad, burgers and fries, pizza and more pizza. Caregivers, residents, patients, and family members reminisced as small groupings shared those aromas and the ensuing stories were savored.

TOUCH

The research demonstrating the need for human touch is vast. From a developmental standpoint, infants literally cannot survive without human touch. Skin-to-skin contact in even the first hour of birth has been shown to help regulate a newborn’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, and decreases crying. Research has uncovered an astonishing number of poor health outcomes that result when we are deprived of touch. The correlation between touch and anxiety, depression and stress is large and inversely related. It has been found that touch calms our nervous center, slows down our heartbeat, lowers blood pressure and cortisol (our stress hormone). Studies using PET scans have found that the brain quiets in response to stress when a person’s hand is held. The effect is greatest when the hand being held is that of a loved one. The team at Auburn Crest Hospice donned the appropriate apparel and served hundreds over the last 3 years making sure hands were held, and hearts were touched. Much wound care was skillfully tended for both body and spirit.

SIGHT

“The eyes see but the heart perceives,” is certainly something that hospice patients can attest to. Though the physical body begins to fail, the inner person still is wanting to experience life. Auburn Crest remains committed to treating the individual and their families with honor, respect, and dignity. Through the pandemic, social worker Dave diligently negotiated with the US Naval personnel department in Honolulu Hawaii so that a patient’s son could be with his father in his closing days. As Dave greeted the son at the door of the nursing facility, he made sure this once in a lifetime moment between a father and his son could take place in person and not be separated by glass.

On other occasions, JJ, Todd, and Ronda enjoyed a live strings performance in a patient’s home living room with family, food and festivities; Sarah Jane co-coordinated a flight for Bruce over Lake Coeur d’Alene; Anne caught several fish on Hayden Lake; and young Aiden was thrilled at an interactive Star Wars Theatrical Extravaganza, created by the Auburn Crest team; and Betty celebrated her 100th birthday! Chaplains Dave, Judy, and Paul persisted with their patients, guiding them along the spiritual paths which would soon be made more visible as their human eyesight was fading.

THE 6th SENSE

What is that 6th Sense? Perhaps the idea of “Non-Sense” comes to mind. One of our favorite Reader’s Digest sections is called “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Although Auburn Crest Hospice serves in the field of medicine, we have observed that through 2020, those who have kept their sense of humor have been the ones others want to be around.

Laughter lasts! It takes the expected and it brings the unexpected situation or thought into that moment. Laughter

causes one to think, twice. Perhaps the theme of “Hindsight is 2020” reminds us that we should think twice about what we have all been going through. Truth has been tested; relationships have been strained; and if you are reading this then you are one who has survived one of the worst periods of suffering in modern times and we all have experienced it together. We could all use a dose of thinking twice about how our senses were impacted by this great test on the human spirit.

At the turn of the last century Albert Einstein said, “The human spirit must prevail over technology.” How’d we do? Later C.S. Lewis, a prolific thinker and writer and survivor of the WWII traumas said, “We must not abandon the absolute truth, not because we are making it, but because it is making us.” In this new century technology and truth are being tested and we should let all of our senses weigh in; perhaps all 6 of them.

Perhaps then we might encounter the unexpected, and perhaps take the advice of another thinking historian, “We should clearly understand that only the voluntary and conscientious acceptance by a people of its guilt can ensure the healing of a nation.”— Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

We, at Auburn Crest Hospice, have no doubt that lives are still being SEEN, songs and stories are being HEARD, moments are being SAVORED, hearts are being EMBRACED, and the unexpected still happens! Here’s to looking ahead .....

How to Parent an Aging Parent

by FirstLight Home Care of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene

As our society ages, the children of older parents are faced with the fact that they may have to care for Mom, Dad or both as they enter their later years, which reverses the traditional parent/child roles each has known all or most of their lives.

Caregivers of parents often face other challenges such as having to step in and advise the parent when to take medication, when to purge expired food or even when to take away the car keys. This role reversal is sometimes shocking to both the children and the parents and can result in friction as their adult children become responsible for their care. The parents have been adults for decades now and may resent their child making decisions for them, while the child can sometimes find it hard to “parent” their parent.

Adult children should consider several things before making the decision to care for their aging parents in their home:

Keep the lines of communication open

Older parents may find it difficult and embarrassing to ask for assistance from their own children. What once was a simple task is no longer easy, and the frustration in the inability to manage the chore can make the parent angry or depressed. Other times, the parent may not remember to take their medication, or they refuse to take it because they are upset at being told to do so. In these cases, the adult children need to take some time to explain why these things are necessary.

For example, explaining calmly to the parent that they could injure themselves in the bath without assistance, or that their medication needs to be taken so they can continue to spend time with their loved ones, can avoid hurt feelings and put the onus on the parent to take responsibility for their own actions.

Understand the potential loss of traditional roles

While the parent has not passed away, their role as the elder leader has diminished. This can cause a sense of loss in the adult child that is as strong as the loss of a parent. Understand there could be a role reversal and allow yourself to grieve in the process. Seek out other adults who are experiencing the same changes in their relationships with their parents and discuss these feelings of loss and chaos.

Get support

Adult children who care for their parents should maintain relationships with others who are in similar situations. Finding a group or even another family who understands how difficult it is to transition from the role of child to “parent” helps. Offering each other advice and tips on care can ease the burden of such a major change.

“Veterans hold a special place in our hearts.”

Family caregivers should also set time aside for themselves. Asking another family member or hiring a professional caregiver to come in on occasion gives the adult child time for self-care. Sometimes recharging one’s batteries is necessary for good mental health.

Don’t set unreasonable expectations

Because many adult children are new in their roles as caregivers, they may not realize that some of the frustration they feel and the disappointment they see in their parents are because they have set their expectations too high. Realize that the parent is not as mobile and may have aging issues that have reduced their ability to make even minor decisions and adjust accordingly. Consult the parent’s doctors to determine the limits of their abilities and recognize that sometimes letting go also applies to one’s own expectations.

Another thing to remember is that your parent is not a child. Don’t give them orders unless their life is in danger. If possible, include them in any decision-making.

Set boundaries

If there are tasks that the adult child or the parent is uncomfortable performing together, like bathing, for example, it may be time to seek outside help just for those chores. If that is not an option, many senior groups and community organizations provide training and tips on how to overcome embarrassments that arise when the adult child must assist in the bathroom.

Also, remember that order and routine are comforting to people who are undergoing big changes in their lives. Setting a daily schedule and keeping to it as much as possible will help

in the transition. The parent knows what to expect and the adult child can prepare for daily events.

“Parenting” a parent is sometimes part of the aging process. If an adult child decides he or she must become a parent’s caregiver, spending time educating themselves about the resources they will need makes the transition smoother. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Caregiving for a parent is certainly a challenge, but it can also be joyful. Time spent together and building a bond over new roles can strengthen the parent/child relationship for years to come.

Provider of Choice award is based on client satisfaction ratings collected from telephone interviews performed by Home Care Pulse, an independent experience management company. Earning this award means we consistently exceed the industry standards for quality in home care and must maintain an overall average client satisfaction score of 8.75 or higher (based on a scale of 1-10), and committed to providing quality home care services by listening to and incorporating client feedback.

Shark!, Shark!,

Oh No!, It’s a Claim Shark!

by Scott Thorsness, State Service Officer Office of Veterans Advocacy Idaho Division of Veterans Services

In the last few years there have been laws passed allowing for increased access to VA Disability Compensation Benefits.

For example, the Camp Lejeune Act, providing certain disabilities to be recognized because of the toxins in the drinking water at that location. Most recently, the passing of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022.

The PACT Act was BIG NEWS in the VA disability world. Because of this, there are many out there who know money can me made on the backs of disabled veterans. This caused a massive spike in the appearance of “unaccredited” VA disability claims representatives whom we refer to as “Claim Sharks.”

Why is this important?

When you utilize an “accredited” claims representative, you are utilizing an individual who is subject to VA standards. These standards are met when a claims representative completes the necessary training, ensuring one receives qualified assistance in preparing claims. The claim sharks are not subject to those same standards and may use various methods to circumvent regulatory oversight.

Because a claim shark is not subject to the VA standards, they can charge the veteran and or their family any amount they see fit, which is in many cases, thousands upon thousands of dollars.

When you utilize a veteran representative from one of the numerous veteran service organizations, such as the VFW, DAV, American Legion, et.al., those services are “Free!” Even if you utilize an accredited attorney or claims agent, they are limited on the amount they can receive as payment, unlike the claim sharks.

limited

How serious is the problem of claim sharks? So serious, that there has been recent bipartisan legislation in Congress, attempting to eliminate the often predatory and unethical practices of those who prey on veterans from for-profit companies.

How does one protect themselves from such an individual or company? First, don’t believe everything you read or hear. Simply because their brochures or websites are “Red, White, and Blue” doesn’t mean they have your best interest at the forefront. You can also validate if an individual or firm is accredited by utilizing the VA’s Office of General Counsel website at: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/ By entering the name and/or location, you can ensure you will find an accredited representative. And. if the person or firm is not on the list, don’t use them!

In our area, and listed in the pages of this magazine, you will find your local veteran representatives who have been through the proper accreditation. Also, for our rural representatives who haven’t been able to attend any accreditation training, they are overseen by your Idaho Division of Veteran Service Officers (VSO).

Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)

are trained, certified and accredited to be ADVOCATES FOR YOU! They are NOT VA employees. Assistance is FREE. Contact them BEFORE you call the VA. It will save you a lot of grief.

These Veterans Service Officers are here for you:

NORTH IDAHO

Idaho State VSOs

Scott A. Thorsness, Director 208-415-3480

S. Clearwater Loop, Post Falls

M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

email: scott.thorsness@veterans.idaho.gov

Matt Ranstrom

208-415-3480

S. Clearwater Loop, Post Falls

M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

email: matt.ranstrom@veterans.idaho.gov

Bonner County

Bryan Hult 208-255-5291

1500 Hwy 2, Ste. 122, Sandpoint

M-TH 8-5 (call/email for appointment)

email: bhult@bonnercountyid.gov

Boundary County

Ronald Self 208-255-8882

6566 Main St., Bonners Ferry

Wed & Thur 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

email: veterans@boundarycountyid.org

Kootenai County

Thomas Freeman 208-446-1090

120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls

M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

email: tfreeman@kcgov.us

Shoshone County

Dan Merrill

208-752-1264 Ext. 0

700 Bank St., Suite 120, Wallace

M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

email: dmerrill@co.shoshone.id.us

MONTANA

Montana State VSOs

National Guard Armory

406-755-3795

2989 Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell

Mon, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8-5 by appointment only

No Walk-ins, strictly by appointment only Thursday – Admin days. phone calls only.

Outreach to Libby, Troy, Eureka, Polson and Ronan, call for appointments dates and times.

Service Connection Claims, Low Income Pension, Aid and Attendance Claims, for Medical Necessity Services, Home Health and Medical Facilities, Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Veteran Designation on Drivers License, Assist in getting DD214’s and Military Records.

Additional Assistance: with referrals into the VA community, Veteran Connections for help with Housing, Medical, Health Care, Medical Facilities, Education, GI Bill, Voc Rehab, Veteran Questions???

WASHINGTON

Washington State VSO

Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center

509-477-3690

1117 N. Evergreen, STE 2, Spokane

M-F 8-4

Ryan Keeler

Carolyn Collins

Bryan T. Zipp Eric McElhaney

Veterans Events & Services

Check out the BRAND NEW Veterans Home in Post Falls!

590 S. Pleasant View Rd., Post Falls, ID

The Post Falls Veterans Home is a 64-bed skilled nursing facility which has a centralized community center, chapel, therapy room, dining room, sports bar with big screen televisions, multiple common areas, and a canteen. The facility also includes a common food preparation area, a laundry facility, maintenance supply areas, a covered pickup and drop-off area, and parking for 90 vehicles.

Stand Downs

May 6th, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Debbi Nadrchal 208-964-2819 jazzyd@prodigy.net

July 15th, Newport, WA

Brad Hanson 509-447-3812 hhseniorcenter@gmails.com

The Idaho Veterans Guide is an amazing new online resource for veterans and their families in need of assistance With this free and open network, veterans can now access a variety of resources from anywhere in the United States All programs listed are provided at low or no cost and users can search anonymously on a platform compliant with HIPPA, FERPA and HITrust

May 6th, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Debbi Nadrchal 208-964-2819 jazzyd@prodigy.net

Organizations can also list their programs for free to support their local veterans In doing so, they will also have access to valuable

September 16th, Wenatchee, WA

Jose Solis 509-393-2509

Sept. 30/Oct.1st, Libby, MT

R E L E A S E P R E S S

Kevin Copelin 406-756-7304

kevin@veteransfoodpantry.org

July 15th, Newport, WA

Brad Hanson 509-447-3812 hhseniorcenter@gmails.com

September 16th, Wenatchee, WA

Jose Solis 509-393-2509

Sept. 30/Oct.1st, Libby, MT

Kevin Copelin 406-756-7304 kevin@veteransfoodpantry.org

The Idaho Veterans Guide is an amazing new online resource for veterans and their families in need of assistance. With this free and open network, veterans can now access a variety of resources from anywhere in the United States. All programs listed are provided at low or no cost and users can search anonymously on a platform compliant with HIPPA, FERPA and HITrust. With no advertisements or sponsors, the Idaho Veterans Guide is a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to find the assistance and support they need

Organizations can also list their programs for free to support their local veterans.

IdahoVeteransGuide.org

Want to be informed about events throughout the entire region for veterans Dante Rumore at the Spokane Vet Center, 509-844-1053 to get on the email be glad you signed up!

Doug,

Please take the header image, and the website information off this flyer, and Idaho Veterans Guide is an amazing new online resource for veterans and assistance. With this free and open network, veterans can now access a variety in the United States. All programs listed are provided at low or no cost and a platform compliant with HIPPA, FERPA and HITrust. With no advertisements or sponsors, the Idaho shop for veterans and their families to find the assistance and support they Organizations can also list their programs for free to support their local veterans.

as

DFAS can be sized and placed, as needed, it’s self-explanatory.

Are You Clear on the Camp Lejeune Ads?

by Bryan Hult, Bonner County Veterans Service Officer

You’ve heard those ads many times if you spend 30 minutes a day or more watching television. You know the commercial, “If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you were likely exposed to toxin contaminated drinking water…You may be able to qualify for significant compensation for your medical costs or if you’ve lost loved ones.”

The commercials sound enticing and fuel the desire to get something immediately without having to do anything…they’ll take care of everything. You might end up receiving some kind of settlement or dividend, but then both the VA and the lawyers will likely end up with most of what has been set aside for you; attorney fees eat up more than what you can imagine. This may not be totally accurate, but consider the following.

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. There were chemicals like Benzene and other industrial solvents which were dumped into the Camp Lejeune drains that worked their way to the aquifers and into the drinking, cooking and showering waters. The VA has already determined eight presumptive conditions associated with the water: Leukemia, aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s Disease. If you are diagnosed with one or more of them, you can be service-connected rated and receive compensation for the rest of your life. And if you are married for more than one year at

awarded, would you really get anything once all those lawyers are compensated? Those answers are not known. Are the offers from the commercials and representatives promising to answer your questions going to give you all the information you need to know? I cannot honestly know the answer to that question.

Additionally, if you are awarded through the lawsuit, would you have to pay back benefits related to those conditions if awarded by the VA in the future? If you are married, would your spouse be able to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?

Before I would sign a retainer, I’d want to get an objective second opinion. I’d want to not be quick to sign up, but find out when the last opportunity would be to sign up. I’d want to strongly consider just going through the VA system already set up by the government.

You’ve already heard the slick, fast-talking commercials paid for by attorneys that have one thing in mind — $$$. I, in no way, know the character of any of the attorneys. They may ALL be upright and provide you excellent service. However, you do have Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who are paid by your Counties to serve veterans, and do not receive any extra percentage if the veteran is awarded except the satisfaction of “serving America’s veterans, one hero at a time.” Check the listing of VSOs in our area and give them a call to set up an appointment. We are here to serve you.

Parkinson’s Support Groups

No matter where you or a loved on are in the journey of Parkinson’s, support groups can be an excellent source for activities and information. Contact the individuals below for any questions, or just show up!

COEUR D’ALENE

Women with Parkinson’s Affinity Apartments, 3594 N. Cederblom St.

3rd Fridays at 1:00 pm

A casual get together for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Music, Singing, Tai Chi, and other classes are also held at Affinity Apartments.

Contact: Beth Hatcher 208-635-5243 for details..

KALISPELL

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Flathead Valley Hampton Inn, 1140 Hwy 2 West, Kalispell

3rd Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Contact: Marjory McClaren 406-250-5577

Email: marjmccl@yahoo.com

Website: FlatheadValleyParkinsons.com

Parkinson’s Disease Caregivers’ Support Group

Flathead Planning & Zoning, Conference Room, 40 11th Street SW, Kalispell

4th Wednesdays at 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Contact: Lynn Woods 406-471-3151

Email: lynwoods@gmail.com

The above are free, and there are a number of fee-based classes (boxing, dance, yoga, etc.) listed by state/city on www.NWPF.org.

Hayden

Elks Lodge, 1170 W. Prairie Ave.

1st Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 pm

Contact: Beth Hatcher 208-635-5243

Email: cdaparkinsons@gmail.com

Website: CDAParkinsons.com

SANDPOINT

East Bonner County Library meeting room, 1407 Cedar St., 2nd Mondays at 2 - 3:30 pm.

Contact: A.C. Woolnough 208-304-5756

Email: acwooly@gmail.com

SPOKANE

Parkinson’s Support Group

Touchmark on South Hill, 2929 S. Waterford Dr. 3rd Wednesdays from 3 - 4:30 pm

Parkinson’s Agility Group

Touchmark on South Hill, 2929 S. Waterford Dr. Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:15 - 3:15 pm

Contact: Jarod King 509-321-8130

Email: jarod.king@touchmark.com

Check www.NWPF.org for details

Follow us on Facebook!

@NW Parkinson’s Foundation

Not “Special Needs” —Just Human Needs

by Vicki Leeper, Outreach Coordinator, Disability Action Center NW

There is a problem with the words “special needs.” These words only exist so that people don’t have to say the word “disability.” It allows non-disabled people, to avoid describing people, generally children, as having a disability — because they view disability as something bad. But disability is not inherently bad. It’s a natural part of being human. Don’t say “special needs” when you really mean “human needs.”

By definition, saying “Special Needs” characterizes the needs of disabled people as “extra” or “burdensome.” Access and accommodation are not extras. Access and accommodation are not burdens. It’s time to stop using the term special needs. We are all at different points in our journey. Language and vernacular are constantly changing. It’s time to change Special Needs to Disabled. Or Disability. It’s ok to say the word. There’s nothing wrong with being a disabled person. We can take cues from other advocates and move on. Here are 8 reasons why:

1. Disabled is not a dirty word. Why do we avoid using it? Calling a disabled person anything else does not make them any less disabled. Disability is a word of pride. A word reclaimed. Part of an identity. A community. It’s a part of YOU and that part is important.

2. Disability is a normal part of human diversity. Somewhere around 25% of the population is disabled. The presence of disability enriches our humanity in ways we can’t even imagine. Being disabled is not something of which to be ashamed or scared. It’s just a fact of life.

3. Our needs are not special. We need to communicate, eat, go to school, get a job, have friends and leisure activities. These needs aren’t any different from anyone else. But how you access them is different. Disabled people need accessible transit, schools, theaters, restaurants, swimming pools, shopping malls and anything else you can think of. The needs aren’t special, the access is. And by law, it is our right!

4. Special needs sounds like the solution is a favor. It’s not about people with disabilities dealing with the disability, it’s people with disabilities dealing with life.

5. The language we use mirrors how we think. By deciding what we want to call ourselves, owning it, we reclaim our power and celebrate the history and community advocacy that made it possible.

6. Most disabled people prefer this. Not all of them, but enough of them, the majority of them identify as having a disability and not a special need.

7. Avoiding the word disability implies negativity. Being disabled is not a tragedy! This brings to mind the term handy-capable. Just understand that disabled people are capable of doing things, maybe just in a different way.

8. Special needs is not an ineffective euphemism. It doesn’t work. We don’t have special needs — we just need an adaptive world!

People mistakenly think saying special needs helps with low self-esteem and may stop bullying. The fact is one in four Americans have a disability, and everyone who lives long enough will develop one. Normalize disability, like being left-handed, is the best way to move forward. Disability is a neutral, factual word that does not need to be replaced. After all, who among us really wants to ride the “special” bus.

We’re Here to Help!

With a disability, you face barriers every day at work, home, in the community, or simply in getting services. To remove these barriers, we work for changes at the community, state, and national levels to: remove physical, communication and attitude barriers; gain community support for independence; include people with disabilities in community life; remove workplace barriers; and create or find funding to remove barriers.

Disability Action Center, Northwest (DAC NW) provides independent living services while fostering attitudes, policies, and environments of equality and freedom for all ages. We encourage people with disabilities to take control of their lives and to live life to the fullest. Some of the services we offer are: Housing Advocacy & Assistance, In-Home Support, Independent Living Skills Learning, Individual & Community Advocacy, Peer Advocacy Counseling, Transportation Resources, Medical Equipment Exchange.

DAC NW also administers the Ramp Up Project providing short-term loans of aluminum modular ramps to people with paralysis and other conditions in our service area.

And, we help with Assistive Technology (AT) to help perform a task or communicate through the means of technology. DAC AT Specialists can provide you with information, sort through what types of AT might be useful, where it can be found, and how to use it.

Please visit our website: DACNW.org to learn more, and by phone at 800-475-0070.

Join us at these events!

Vicki Leeper was hired by the DAC NW Board of Directors to do the outreach for all four offices. She uses her 10 years of marketing experience to get the word out about DAC. She finds making education information accessible to our consumers and the community through outreach, the website and social media very rewarding. Vicki helps promote the independent living philosophy of DAC and other related local organizations throughout Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Join us at these events!

Daciversary celebrating 30 years! Open House May 1st from 4-6 pm, at DAC NW, 3726 E Mullan Ave, Post Falls ID. Free refreshments, activities and meeting peers and staff and the opportunity to learn 30 factoids about DAC NW.

Daciversary celebrating 30 years! Open House May NW,3726 E Mullan Ave, Post Falls ID. Free refreshments, and staff and the opportunity to learn 30 factoids about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Celebration July 29th (See Below)

Ihave heard it said, “All is fair in love and war.” Obviously, since there are no rules to follow, many will be broken over the course of time!

But, when it comes to the government and rules, every tiny detail needs to be adhered to! These rules are under constant scrutiny and change. Rules are in place to protect the innocent, that’s you!

So, the “Rules of Engagement,” which I will review, have to do with the ability to talk with Medicare Beneficiaries. These rules are under the jurisdiction of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) as well as the State Departments of Insurance. Don’t worry, I won’t make this too complicated!

The first document, is called a “Scope of Appointment Confirmation Form,” or SOA. This form must be completed

Rules, Rules, and More RULES!

by Carey Spears, RHU, Spears Insurance, Inc.

for all marketing activities; in person and telephonically, including walk-in, to an agent or broker, and we have to retain the document for ten years, which protects all parties. When this form was first introduced in 2006, it was required to have the individual’s signature 48 hours prior to a meeting. Changes to the rule have allowed beneficiaries to sign when they come to a meeting, but before a conversation begins. The Medicare Scope of Appointment serves as a guideline for your meeting. It’s a form that you and your Medicare insurance agent sign in person or electronically that clearly identifies what specific Medicare insurance products you want to learn more about. If your meeting is over the phone, then your recorded verbal consent may suffice.

Important to know is the insertion in the Scope: By signing this form, you agree to a meeting with a sales agent to discuss the types of products you initialed above. Please note, the person who will discuss the products is either employed or contracted by a Medicare plan. They do not work directly for the Federal Government. This individual may also be paid based on your enrollment in a plan. Signing this form does not obligate you to enroll in a plan, affect your current or future enrollment or enroll you in a Medicare plan.

We will ask our clients to sign an SOA every year. That seems like a lot of duplication but the fact is, under the rules of engagement, we can always talk to you about your current plan and how it changes year to year…but it does not give us permission to tell you that a different plan in the market may offer you lower cost shares or improved benefits and networks. Therefore, a new signed SOA is necessary.

When you review the Scope of Appointment, you will notice that the topics of Life Insurance or Long Term Care are not listed. Those topics cannot be discussed in the same appointment. This is to avoid mixing information of benefits that Medicare does not cover. For instance, if we were to have a mixed conversation, in future years you might recall part of the conversation and in error, believe that all those benefits discussed were included in the plan you enrolled in, only to learn you had confused the information and were operating under false assumptions. Rules are good!

Other rules for the SOA will be when this form can be handed out, such as during educational events. For example, during a seminar on “What is Medicare?” the discussion cannot include specific policies offered by insurance companies, only what and how Medicare works and what you are entitled to. If you want to have a conversation with that presenter regarding Medicare

Advantage Plans or Supplements or Prescription drug plans, then a separate appointment is required. Currently the Scope can be handed out and a signature obtained at the event, or an appointment set. However, CMS is reviewing this rule and, more than likely, going to implement a change that says something like, “No SOA can be obtained at this event, you would need to call the presenter and they would need to mail you the Scope, have it returned and then the appointment can be set.” Sounds like a grand idea, right?

A recent rule implemented just this last October 2022 is the requirement regarding recorded phone conversations. This rule was brought on by the abuse of advertisements offering everything including the kitchen sink.

I warned you before in a previous article about calling Joe and Captain Kirk touting truthful benefits for those who qualify, but if the plan wasn’t in your area, that call center now has you on the line, and maybe said you would get the information you requested, but actually enrolled you in a plan. Yes, sadly, celebrity endorsement has led many people down an inappropriate garden path.

Due to this, all agents and brokers must have a recording phone system to record your phone appointment and all information disclosed during that appointment by you and me, and we must save the recording for 10 years in the cloud! Before our phone conversation can begin, you must hear this required disclaimer:

“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”

If you don’t want a recorded conversation, then you can come to the office for a Face-to-Face meeting and sign the SOA.

There are reasons why I don’t offer every plan in my area. Typically because the network doesn’t include most doctors or hospitals in the area. Some plans may not even contract with agents at all, forcing you to go through their enrollment center, either by phone or online. The goal of an independent agent is to establish a relationship with you, at no cost to you, in order to weed through the annual changes in plans, with your needs and best interest in mind for years to come.

One last rule: Whether or not I conduct enrollments over the phone, I am required to post the disclaimer below on my website, in electronic communications (in my email signature), and in all advertisements

Well, that’s a wrap for this edition. Your comments are always welcome. Give us a call at 208-265-2026.

“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”

Carey Spears, RHU is a licensed Life/Health insurance agent with over 27 years experience with Senior products such as Medicare Supplements, Part D Prescription plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. With offices in Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, she offers ‘no obligation’ consultations for individuals as well as providing group presentations on the Beginners Guide into Medicare! If you are considering insurance needs, call Carey at 208-265-2026 to learn the right steps in securing your Health Care options.

10 Tips for Caregiver Self-Care

by

We all know it, caregivers are superheroes. But even the strongest superheroes need time to rest and regain their strength. Looking after someone’s health, financial and legal affairs can be stressful and overwhelming. Our Care & Support team at the Alzheimer’s Association has compiled a list of their favorite tips to help you keep the self-care you need (and deserve) a priority:

1. Start small if you need to. Even 5 minutes spent doing a short-breathing exercise or body-scan meditation can psychologically reduce stress.

2. Follow a 5 or 10-minute full body stretch on Youtube as you start your day to connect with yourself in your body.

3. Be gentle with yourself. If you skip your afternoon walk around the neighborhood or aerobics class, extend the same grace you would to a dear friend and set an intention to get there next time.

4. Meet a friend for coffee or tea. Consider conversing about a book you’ve read, movie, a series, or sports - any topic that gets you out of your daily routine and thought patterns to give your brain a break from the usual.

NEAR YOU

5. Keep a journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for. Focusing on the positive things can help you to reframe and feel better.

6. Make a playlist! Find songs that help you to feel grounded, calm, and/or happy. You might find that your preferences change as you change, so know that it is okay to update your playlist every now and then.

7. Coloring, painting or drawing is a great way to relieve stress, lower your heart rate, and slow down your thoughts. You don’t need to be the next Van Gogh, just let the act of art guide and soothe you.

8. Schedule your annual wellness visit and preventive screenings. Be sure that while you are looking after someone else’s health and well-being, you don’t neglect your own! Take some time to catch up on routine visits and preventative screenings to ensure you health is taken care of.

9. Prioritize your sleep. Adequate sleep is incredibly important to our everyday functions but can also be hard to come by when you are caring for another person. Take advantage of the days you can go to sleep a little early or sneak a nap in (this can include napping when your loved one is also resting).

10. Know that it is okay to ask for help. We all need assistance from time to time. Reach out to friends, family, clergy, and support groups. The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 Helpline available for support as well, 1-800-272-3900.

the ALZWA Care & Support Team (Jen, Steve, Maria, Estela, Em and Erica)

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brownn

No one should have to do this alone. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia can often involve a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision-making, or simply care about a person with the disease, you deserve some rest and time for yourself. And we are here to help you navigate this journey. Call our helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit us online at alzwa.org to learn more.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups

WHY STRUGGLE ALONE?

Participants share their knowledge and experience of what works and what doesn’t in caring for themselves and loved ones. Groups are facilitated by professionals and are confidential. Connect — learn — and get solutions.

Support Groups may be meeting virtually, please contact the support group facilitator to participate.

COEUR D’ALENE

3rd Thursday @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM Contact: Michelle Larson 208-666-2996

POST FALLS

1st Wednesday @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM Contact: Michelle Larson 208-666-2996

SPOKANE NORTH

2nd & 4th Mondays @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Facilitator: Paul Dionne 509-290-1816

INDEPENDENT ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

24/7 HELPLINE: 800-272-3900

ONLINE: ALZConnected.org

An online social networking community for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and others affected by the disease. ALZ.org for more valuable resources!

DEER PARK

2nd Wednesday @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Facilitator: Paul J. Dionne 509-290-1816

SPOKANE DOWNTOWN

3rd Tuesday @1:30 - 3:00 PM Contact: Kim McKenna 509-207-7667

SPOKANE SOUTH

3rd Saturday @10:30 - 12:00 PM Contact: Kim McKenna 509-207-7667

VIRTUAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

2nd Tuesday @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Facilitators: Alida Gowan 425-223-1165 & Amy Ohlinger 253-209-8316

Meeting In-Person

1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM Upqua Bank Building, Sandpoint

Tango Café Meeting Room, 414 Church St.

Facilitator: Jan Griffitts 208-290-1973

Crossword At the Rodeo

How to Play Sudoku

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Crossword and Sodoku answers on page 45

Protecting Yourself from Improper Marketing

by Colleen Clark, SHIBA Program Supervisor

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) are warning consumers shopping for Medicare health insurance to be wary of improper marketing by telemarketers and television commercials.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Screen Phone Calls

• Be Wary of Advertisements

• Ensure the Plan is Right for You

Screen your phone calls. If anyone calls you with whom you did not have a scheduled appointment, and requests personal or private information such as your Medicare number, Social Security Number, bank, or credit card information, hang up!

Be wary of advertisements. You want to be cautious about changing your insurance plan based on advertisements on television, from telemarketing, or in print. Any extra benefits in Medicare insurance ads on the television or in mailings might not be available where you live. Be sure to get all the details in writing before you sign up.

Ensure the plan is right for you. Before you sign up, reach out to your doctors to verify they are in that plan’s network and check if your prescription drugs are covered.

You do not need both Medigap and Medicare Advantage. Even if someone promises that you can keep your Medigap plan (supplemental plan) and have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is against the rules and is not beneficial to have both.

What is SHIBA?

Idaho SHIBA is a service of the State of Idaho Department of Insurance Consumer Services Bureau.

We provide free, unbiased Medicare benefit information and assistance for all Idahoans with Medicare. We do not sell insurance or recommend specific insurance products.

What can SHIBA do for you?

SHIBA offers an array of services in-person, online or by phone.

• Medicare Workshops provide an in-depth overview of Medicare for those who are starting Medicare, helping others, or just want to learn.

• The SHIBA Medicare Helpline (1-800-247-4422) connects you with a real person who is a Certified Medicare Counselor and can answer your Medicare benefit questions, schedule appointments with a Medicare Counselor, and can help guide you to online information and resources.

• Medicare Counseling Appointments provide beneficiaries with a one-on-one meeting with a Certified Medicare Counselor in person, over the phone, or a web-based platform. During these appointments counselors assist beneficiaries to understand their benefits so they can determine the best coverage from what is available to them when becoming eligible for Medicare, or eligible for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying change in situation.

• Annual Open Enrollment Counseling Appointments provide beneficiaries with a one-on-one meeting with a Certified Medicare Counselor to review their coverage and determine the best coverage, from what is available, for the following year.

• The SHIBA Website (shiba.idaho.gov) is a great resource for current beneficiaries, those who are new to Medicare, and those who are assisting others. It offers information on

| Medicare and Idaho-Specific Coverage and Rules

| Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Coverage

| Idaho Medigap Rates

| Resources For Seniors and Caregivers

| Programs Available to Help Save Money on Medicare Costs

| How To File a Medicare Complaint

| SHIBA’s Calendar of Events and Registration

| Volunteer Information

| And So Much More!

It is important to make the right decisions at the right time and get help if you need it. SHIBA will provide that help. Call SHIBA today at 1-800-247-4422. The SHIBA Helpline is open

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday-Friday.

Colleen Clark is the SHIBA Program Supervisor at the Idaho Department of Insurance. She is a Certified Public Manager and Medicare Counselor. Colleen is passionate about serving the residents of Idaho and ensuring they have the resources needed to enjoy a healthy life.

you!

Let’s look alive out there!”

by Joe Lykins, Senior Services Specialist, Senior Medicare Patrol, Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho

During my (very) short Little League experience I remember the coach saying this to us outfielders when the other team came to bat, “Wake up!” “Pay attention!” He knew how easy it was for us youngsters to let our minds wander, to stare at the sky, look for birds, anything except keeping our eye on the ball.

It can still happen. For those of us aged 65 or older, the term “Medicare” has become so common that we tend to stifle a yawn when it is brought up in conversation. When we get our Medicare Summary Notices or Explanations of Benefits we tend to just scan to the bottom right corner to see if we owe anything. And if we don’t, then we just toss it in the trash. We think, “Good! That visit to my doctor didn’t cost me anything!” Worse yet, we can tend to just throw the bills in a pile thinking we will get around to checking them later. It’s so easy to get complacent.

Wait a minute, though. Have you checked your Medicare statement over carefully? Does the service reflect what the physician actually performed? Does the billed amount match the bill his/her office sent to you? Is the physician’s name actually your physician? Or someone else you may not know?

Now, before you start accusing your doctor of malfeasance, start with assuming that any mistake is nothing more than a typing error on the part of a medical clerk. A simple call to the doctor’s billing office should clear this up. If the office personnel sounds confused or hesitant, the next step is to call the insurance company (if you have a Medicare supplemental or Medicare Advantage policy), or 1-800-MEDICARE. If you still are not satisfied with the result, then give your Senior Medicare Patrol a call at 800-786-5546 ext 4071.

As recently as February, 2023:

• A medical supply company was convicted of defrauding Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans of over 3.8 million dollars.

• Two doctors were convicted of submitting over 31 million dollars in unneeded durable medical equipment claims.

• A marketer pled guilty to buying and selling 2.6 million Medicare ID numbers.

Also, if your organization would like a 10- to 30-minute presentation on dealing with Medicare fraud, please contact us at the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho, Senior Medicare Patrol: 800-786-5546 ext. 4071 and we’d be happy to help.

We tend to think that since we don’t owe anything to the doctor that the service didn’t cost us anything. But an overlooked statement here and there can add up.

Bio: Joe Lykins has been a Senior Services Specialist with the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho for over five years. Shortly after he started, he was asked to take on the task of Senior Medicare Patrol volunteer coordinator as well, and now divides his time between the two responsibilities. His motto is “Life is too short to spend any of it in retirement.”

How did these fraudsters get caught? Well, it probably started with us individual Medicare beneficiaries being diligent in checking our paperwork. It started with us.

Looking alive out there!

Joe Lykins has been a Senior Services Specialist with the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho for over five years. Shortly after he started, he was asked to take on the task of Senior Medicare Patrol volunteer coordinator as well, and he now divides his time between the two responsibilities. His motto is “Life is too short to spend any of it in retirement.”

We at Senior Medicare Patrol have a “My Health Care Tracker” tool, a 5” x 8” booklet that can help you keep a record of the health care services you receive. Contact us at 800-786-5546 ext 4071, or smp@nic.edu and we can mail you one.

Also, if your organization would like a 10- to 30-minute presentation on dealing with Medicare fraud, please contact us at the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho, Senior Medicare Patrol: 800-786-5546 ext. 4071 and we’d be happy to help.

• A ‘Hub’ for available resources in the community

• Senior Center meals and information

• Home Delivered Meal information

• Support and referrals for suspected Elder Abuse

• Long-Term Care Elder Advocate

• Help with navigating Advance Directives

• Connection to Alzheimer & Dementia resources

• Medicare Fraud education

•

•

• Referrals for Housing, Legal, Transportation & much more

• Help with Wheelchair ramps, Grab-bar installation & other minor home repairs

Run It By Tamara

by Tamara Jacobson, Compassionate Care Referral Service

QJanuary produced many desperate calls for help in finding care for those seniors with various forms of Dementia; almost 75% of my calls had to do with the subject. Most did not have the funds for Long Term Care where the average cost, by my estimate, is around $5000$7000 per month for those with Memory Care needs. Where to go, what to do?

AAbout five years ago, I saw a crisis for affordable care developing. My first recollection was some local Assisted Living Communities, that took mainly Medicaid as payment, closed down. Why?

There is something so encouraging and comforting just sharing our concerns with one another. I look forward to hearing from you!

— Tamara Jacobson

If you would like to submit a question and ‘Run IT By Tamara’ regarding senior care issues, please email: CCRS@netscape.com or call 208-660-9982

I discovered that Idaho’s reimbursement rate for those on Medicaid for Long Term Care was not keeping pace with the expenses for the facilities to provide that level of care. Once a person is on Medicaid, the State determines that individual’s care level, from an assessment by their own nurse, and comes up with a daily rate for care. Add on a set amount for room and board and this totals, in a very simplified example, what the facility receives for payment, after insurance and Medicare is funded.

With the Pandemic challenges, the cost of food and paying staff, coupled with the shortage of workers, many facilities determined they were unable to accept Medicaid as payment. They tell me, they would receive approximately half of what a private pay person would be charged.

Those Long Term Care Facilities that will accept Medicaid, require two to three years private pay initially. After this set period of time, they will then keep the senior as a resident on Medicaid. I find this scenario only works if, for example, there is a house to sell to provide those years of funding.

A few will take Medicaid as payment up front but require the family to pay a supplement: the difference of what Medicaid brings in and what private pay would total, if they are given a private room. My experience is that only about one in seven families are able to afford this option.

As a side note, Medicaid originally assumed two persons to a room in Assisted Living. The minimum size of room for two persons is dictated by the State Of Idaho and most of the newer facilities did not build them to this specification although they do exist. A senior couple who both need care are easier to place if they are willing to share!

Any Alternatives?

A personal approach to evaluating senior care choices to fit your needs and budget. NO FEES. NO PRESSURE. Tamara

In Home Care is a vital service for many, but for those Seniors who cannot afford the rising costs of private pay, few companies will take Medicaid clients. Again, because of low reimbursement rates from the State.

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho (AAANI) does have some respite programs which reimburse caregivers for caring for a loved one when the main caregiver needs a break. The key is already knowing

by Jan Noyes, Associate Ombudsman Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho

someone who could do the caregiving during the respite due to Caregiver shortages. Contact AAANI for details.

I find limited facilities in smaller towns outside Kootenai County still take Medicaid if something comes open and they don’t have too many residents on the program at once. Timing seems to be everything, so it is good to get on some lists.

Some have opted to cross the state line and get on the Washington State Medicaid program.

Skilled Nursing Facilities do take Medicaid once in a while for long term care, mainly because they are federally inspected and deal with both Medicare and Medicaid. I have found more reluctance to taking on those with Memory Loss and they explain this is due to shortages of caregivers.

Veterans or surviving spouses who qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, which supplements their income for assistance for Activities of daily living (ADL’s), have a better chance of finding and affording Long Term Care. Adult day care or In home care can come under the Veterans benefits as well.

Future Change? What can be done?

The State of Idaho is keeping pace with increasing reimbursement rates for Medicaid for senior care needs. They have increased those rates some with a dementia diagnosis, but I have been told it is not enough.

Perhaps, state tax incentives for those facilities that do take on some folks with Medicaid as payment may be an answer. Other states have county tax subsidized care facilities for those on Medicaid, but that would affect Idaho voters’ taxes. Find a way to increase the number of Certified Family Homes (1-4 residents) specializing in Dementia care, and again make it attractive and rewarding for those homes to do so.

Families are talking more about taking on the responsibility for caring for a loved one. I have worked with families who have put together caregivers with friends and family to cover needed bases. Adding an ADU or addition onto their home, when feasible, has worked in some situations.

Puzzles on pages 38-39

Tamara Jacobson, is a Senior Care Consultant and founder of Compassionate Care Referral Services, Inc., CompassionateCareReferral.com Tamara formed the company as a way to connect area seniors and services in a personal but professional manner. Straight forward comparisons are discussed to fit the individuality of her clients.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE

diagnose patient led to understanding how physical symptoms, as had by our fictitious Jane, could be eliminated.

But, how do you fix something without knowing the cause? Dr Nedley has narrowed over 100 causes of depression down to 10 categories. One night a week for eight weeks in a Program in Sandpoint, ID, (and by Zoom), he teaches, in-depth by video, about the causes of depression and the lifestyle tools which overcome the symptoms and empower the person. He covers what contributes to depression & anxiety, emotional wounds, grief and loss, addictions, what we can change about ourselves, enhancing the production of important neurotransmitters, and coping with stress and loneliness. After the video, the groups participate with a trained facilitator in-person and on Zoom utilizing the books purchased earlier, to tailor those tools into what works best for them.

This educational program has continued Spring and Fall in Sandpoint since 2012. It is meant to be supportive to any medical treatments already being provided to the participant. A local mental health professional has said, “This program made my job easier.” Participants from Idaho, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Connecticut, Colorado, and Maryland say they feel better and have hope.

ust think positive.” If Jane heard that one more time she was going to explode! Didn’t anyone understand what it’s like to feel depressed or anxious? She was trying the best she could; working a job while taking care of people depending on her. Her head was foggy half the time, she had headaches, was forgetful, and gaining weight.

Does this sound familiar? Currently in the United States, anxiety statistics have surpassed depression. Suicide rates have increased even in North Idaho. And mental health services are overwhelmed. Here’s how a local non-profit program called Nedley Depression & Anxiety Recovery can help.

The program was developed almost 30 years ago to educate people with the tools to take charge of their life with simple, but effective lifestyle changes. No gimmicks. We all know that exercise is good for us. And drinking water, and sunshine, and on and on. But Dr. Neil Nedley created a program, strongly backed by research, that is structured for success. Dr. Nedley is a practicing Internal Medicine physician in Weimar, CA and President of Weimar College. His specialty in Gastroenterology and the difficult-to-

Life is often challenging for caregivers who forget to take care of themselves; for busy parents and overloaded teenagers, and the professional with deadlines. Not to mention, those who have lost a loved one, made a recent move, or suffered financial loss. Isn’t it time to take charge of your life and enjoy it?

Contact Sandee Woehler, RN, Community Assoc. Director 208-2903547 for coming Spring & Fall program dates, questions, and to register for Zoom. OR Email: drnedleyprograms@gmail.com. Sessions are held at 1327 Superior St, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE in so many ways... better health, better relationships, overcome depression and anxiety. Dr Neil Nedley has an 8-week community program at 1327 Superior St, Sandpoint, or by ZOOM. Call Sandee (208-290-3547) to register for ZOOM and for Spring & Fall Program dates.