The Wise Guide 2022/2023 Edition

2022/2023 ISSUE

A N I N S I G H T F U L A P P R O A C H T O H E A LT H

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FREE

Is Skilled Nursing in Your Future?

Recognized Nationally, Healing Locally Natural Wonder Meets Fun and Games

MEDICAL CONCIERGE

We Are Accepting New Patients!

HOW DOES OUR CONCIERGE MEDICINE WORK? Doctors who provide concierge medical care still follow all insurance rules. Our team will bill your insurance and co-insurance, and will accept assignment for any services provided. The concierge fee enables our team of providers to allow for extended visits, focus on preventative care, answer questions you have about current healthcare trends, and allows us time to work with you to achieve your optimal health and maintain your independence.

re edica e M g tin ar Accep LL Medic ns and A ntage Pla Adva

BENEFITS OF THE MEZACARE CONCIERGE CLINIC • Appointments available to get you seen within 24 hours – 72 hours of you contacting our clinic • All appointments scheduled for 45 minutes to make sure your concerns are addressed • Private waiting rooms to ensure social distancing from other patients

www.MezaCare.com |

Michael Meza,MD

208-262-4500

• In-office lab draws • Referral coordination with specialty offices • Patient Portal for you to review your own records and results • Care coordination with home health agencies, therapy services, durable medical equipment providers, etc • Telemedicine visits when you are unable to come to the office • Concierge fee of $175 per month or $2,000 per year for unlimited medical access

| 2426 Merritt Creek Loop, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Alexandra Bellem, MD

Jason Schwintek, MD

Nathan Wheatley, PA

Jennifer Stallings, NP

Hollys Nielsen, NP

Lisa Kailey, NP

Alison Wheatley, PA

Accepting

New Patients,

65 and Older!

H

ow is MezaCare different from other Primary Care practices? Our practice is a concierge medicine practice focusing primarily on Seniors.

First and foremost, MezaCare accepts Medicare, all Medicare Advantage Plans, and all other insurances. We are accepting new patients in our brand-new clinic located in the Riverstone area of Coeur d Alene.

Traditionally Dr. Meza and the team have provided quality medical care to the patients and residents living in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities and associated Independent Living Facilities. The team continues to provide medical care and serves all of the Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities and Retirement Centers throughout the region. Nothing is changing with this practice and MezaCare continues to accept new patients at these locations on a daily basis.

Now the MezaCare team has opened a concierge primary care clinic to provide independent seniors with quality and timely primary care as well. If you need to see a doctor, you no longer have to wait months for an appointment to see a primary care physician, or in desperation make a trip to Urgent Care or the ER for non-emergency care. And, best of all, you won’t be rushed in and rushed out.

How Does Concierge Medicine Work?

Doctors who provide concierge medical care still follow all insurance rules. MezaCare will bill your insurance and coinsurance and will accept assignment for any services provided.

The concierge fee is $175 per month. This monthly fee enables the MezaCare team to provide care when you need it and allows for extended visits. During these extended visits your provider will focus on your chronic care issues and also focus on preventative care. He or she will answer all of the questions you have about current healthcare trends and will have the time to work with you to achieve your optimal health and maintain your independence. In addition to spending much needed time with you as a patient, the MezaCare team will provide the extended care services mentioned below.

Benefits of the MezaCare Concierge Clinic

• Appointments available to get you seen within 24 to 72 hours of you contacting our clinic.

• All appointments scheduled for 45 minutes to make sure your concerns are addressed.

• Private waiting rooms to ensure social distancing from other patients.

• In-office lab draws.

• Referral coordination with specialty offices.

• Patient Portal for you to review your own records and results.

• Care coordination with home health agencies, therapy services, durable medical equipment providers, etc.

• Telemedicine visits when you are unable to come to the office.

• Concierge fee of $175 per month or $2,000 per year for unlimited medical access.

Continued on Page 4 https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 3

Continued from Page 3

Reasons you might need a new primary care provider

• You are new to the area of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

• Your primary care provider has retired.

• Your primary care provider is no longer accepting Medicare or limiting the number of Medicare patients they are able to care for.

Why are providers limiting the number of Medicare patients they are able to care for?

Providers limit the number of Medicare patients they are able to care for because of a number of factors, like lower reimbursement rates and increased regulations. It is a very well-known fact that Medicare allowable rates for patients visits are significantly less than what other insurance companies allow. Because of the lower payments, this decreased access makes it difficult for seniors to find timely access to care in a primary care setting.

Why MezaCare?

MezaCare came about from Dr. Meza’s passion for serving geriatric and rehabilitative patients and residents of our community. Dr. Meza employs and incredible care team of many providers; Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and ten Certified Medical Assistants all of whom have patient records readily at hand and are able to provide high-quality and continuous coverage.

Continuity of Care; What If I Need Inpatient or Skilled Services?

• Should you go to the emergency room, our team is on call to provide assistance to the emergency room physician for a safe discharge plan and early follow-up.

• Should you be admitted to a hospital, our team will track your progress and will see you upon discharge from the hospital in a timely fashion.

• Should you have to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility or assisted living for rehabilitative care, our team will provide care directly to you at the facility with the goal of getting you better, stronger, faster and home as soon as possible.

Should an independent resident choose to seek rehabilitative or long term care at an Assisted Living Facility or a Skilled Nursing Care Facility, MezaCare will continue to care for you and shares your goals to achieve better health so you can return home as soon as possible. Our dedicated MezaCare team coordinates your care with your specialty providers, local hospitals and diagnostic centers. When appropriate, the team can arrange for mobile radiology, social worker visits, laboratory and blood draw services, dental care, podiatry, and other services. This type of going above and beyond care is called “Concierge Medicine.”

Visit our website to learn more: www.MezaCare.com Give us a call at 208-262-4500 for an appointment! We look forward to being your partner in care.

Testimonials “My first visit took about an hour, covered everything, and then at the end, the doctor asked if I had any other questions. I really appreciate that!. And, access here at this clinic is amazing!”

—C.D., Hayden

“I have my own physician at MezaCare but am comfortable seeing any of the providers if I have an urgent need. They get me right in and I avoid urgent care.” —M.V., Hayden

“The providers at MezaCare all know my circumstances. I don’t have to explain things repeatedly. They have everything in hand.” —G.V., Coeur d’Alene 4 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

Agencies & Free Referral Services Alzheimer’s Association...................... Pg 37 Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho................................... Pg 42, 43 Compassionate Care Referral Service................................... Pg 41 Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition........... Pg 31 North Idaho CASA............................... Pg 33 SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)............................... Pg 34

Assisted Living & Memory Care Boundary County Community Restorium........................ Pg 16 The Lodge Assisted Living.................. Pg 45

Counseling & Support Bonner General Behavioral Health.... Pg 13 Pend Oreille County Counseling Services ........................... Pg 18

Financial Planning, Insurance & Legal Coyle & Eyman Elder Law................... Pg 27 Humana............................................... Pg 16 Spears Insurance, Inc............................ Pg 7

Recreation Kalispel Park & Casino........................ Pg 19

Advertisers’ Directory

In-Home, In-Patient & Out-Patient Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Dental & Vision Camas Center Dental Clinic................ Pg 23 Eye Clinic of Sandpoint........................ Pg 11

Holistic Health Camas Center Clinic............................ Pg 23

Hospice Bonner General Health Community Hospice............................ Pg 13

Hospitals, Medical Care, Pain Management & Research Bonner General Health....................... Pg 13 Camas Center Clinic............................ Pg 23 Inland Northwest Research................ Pg 25 MezaCare Clinic..................................... Pg 2 Newport Hospital & Health Services.................................... Pg 35 North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital ................................ Pg 17, 48 UCSF Dementia Caregiver Project........ Pg 9

In-Home Personal Care FirstLight Home Care.......................... Pg 29

Bonner General Health Home Health Services......................... Pg 13 Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls.......................................... Pg 47 Mountain Valley of Cascadia.............. Pg 33 North Idaho Home Health.................... Pg 5 Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest.......................... Pg 17, 48

Veterans Veterans Resources/ Service Offices............................................. Pg 38

The Wise Guide 2022/2023 (208) 255-5950 info@thewiseguideonline.com https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs Copyright ©2022/2023, All Rights Reserved.

Although every precaution has been taken in the publication of this guide, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.

This guide is not intended to be legal or medical advice or to endorse any product or service. The Wise Guide, LLC is not responsible for the contents of any websites referenced within this guide. No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without the express written permission of the publisher, The Wise Guide, LLC.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 5

Surprise!

Aunt Irmaa is here!

by Carey Spears, RHU, Spears Insurance, Inc.

A

fter all these years you’ve never had a chance to meet Aunt Irmaa? Until now, you didn’t even know she existed. If you’ve heard anything at all about her, you’re probably not going to like her. She turns up out of the blue looking for a monthly allowance which you cannot refuse to give. That doesn’t sound like a relative anyone wants to have!

Wait a minute? You don’t have an aunt named Irmaa? Perhaps that’s because “she” doesn’t really exist, she is simply a euphemism I’ve been using with the acronym for IRMAA, which stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

Cleverness aside, you now have learned that IRMAA is not a “Who?” but rather a “How much?” Essentially, IRMAA is a surcharge that is added to the current year’s Medicare Part B (hospital coverage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums for those who have earned “too much” income in a given year. Therefore, Medicare has determined that you can afford to pay more for your Medicare coverage.

This is how it works. For the 2022 year, the IRS informs the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) of your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from 2020 (two years ago) and if your income exceeded the bracketed amounts, then you will have to pay more for your Medicare Parts B & D coverage every year until, or if, your income drops below certain levels. (See chart on the following page.)

What does this mean for Medicare in your future? Costs will increase. In each previous years you made money beyond the limits allowed in the surcharge rates chart, you will pay more for your Medicare monthly Part B & D premiums. (Part A is not affected by IRMAA….yet.)

Lately, I have had more and more clients, come to me with a notice from Social Did You Know?

Did you know that as of March 1st, 2022, the Idaho Legislature changed the law towards Medicare Supplements? In the past, Medicare Rates were based on attained age of the Medicare Beneficiary. This means as you got older, the rates would change each year according to your new age.

However as of March 1st of this year, Medicare Supplement rates became community rated. Now the rates are no longer based on attained age. They are based on community rates. What this means is, whether you are age 65 or age 95 you will pay the same rate. Companies can still level higher rates based on Smoker vs non-Smoker, but the age rating has definitely leveled the playing field between older and younger retirees.

How might this benefit you the Medicare beneficiary?

Before if your rate became too much for your pocketbook you could only change your Medicare Supplement Plan to a new plan if you completed an application and passed medical underwriting. The company would then look at your current health status and compare that with your prescriptions, only then could they decide if they wanted to accept you

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Security in hand, who are experiencing this unexpected increase in their costs for Medicare for a number of reasons. In some cases, it happened when they sold their home. During this most recent real estate boom, people have sold their homes and have exceeded their limits on capital gains income. They may have anticipated paying the taxes on some of the income beyond allowable amounts, but most people have NO IDEA it will affect their Medicare premiums two years later.

Yes, there are ways to avoid some of this, but it requires planning ahead. If you think you’ll be in this situation, it’s best to seek a financial advisor sooner than later —BEFORE you acquire the extra income.

There are “life changing events” that are considered valid and you have the option of appealing the determination if they apply to you. Once you receive the letter, you have 60 days to file an appeal.

Some of you are already paying a surcharge on your monthly Medicare premium, so this is not news to you. While you may not be able to change the past, you can certainly look to the future when plan­ning for tax purposes. And now you know you need also consider the effects your income may have on your Medicare premiums. I can help with the insurance side, that’s what I do! Let’s sit down together and have a look at where you are today, where you might be tomorrow, and choose the next plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.

In addition to being “Medicare Central” for all things Medicare, Spears Insurance offers a complete line of insurance products and services for all ages: Individual Insurance, Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Medical, and Travel insurances.

Every aspect of Medicare, and health

as a new customer. Now after March 1st of this year, you as the Medicare beneficiary can evaluate your policy and your rate each year and decide to change plans, or not, on a yearly basis without medical underwriting. The only caveat to this is your decision and application to change must occur within a 63-day window of your date of birth each year.

This is huge news for most of the elderly population still on Medicare Supplements and can result in huge savings. For those who are younger, changing plans for rates may not be in your best interest as you are grandfathered in on your current policy. Either way it is in your best interest to seek out a trained professional that specializes in Medicare insurance. It is worth a conversation and the advice you will receive could literally save you thousands with no cost to you.

Carey Spears is a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare insurance plans. She has been doing business in Kootenai, Bonner, and Boundary Counties for over 20 years. If you have any further questions please contact her at 208-265-2026. Carey will never charge you a fee!

insurances in general, change EVERY YEAR! What’s covered? What’s not? Because it is so complicated, you may be tempted just to renew your existing policy rather than have to weed through the new set of options that pop up every year. Benefits, options, rates, out-of-pocket expenses; they all change every year, and for some, timing is critical. It’s my job to keep up with it all, and it costs you NOTHING to see me, or any agent. Go to my website: CareySpears.com and you will see that I have the carriers, and the experience, to help you make the best possible choices.

And, Call me Today! — 208-265-2026 Let me help you feel comfortable about your personal insurance needs.

Carey Spears, RHU is a licensed Life/Health insurance agent with over 26 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 208265-2026 to learn the right steps in securing your Health Care options.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 7

On The Cover

About the Artist

2022/2 02

3 ISSU

AN IN SIG

HTFU

Bonnie Shields,

L APP R

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The Tennessee Mule Artist “Your local mule artist has been busy. Well, maybe it has more to do with that “moving target” thing than anything else, but so far it is working.

Things have really changed with the closing of so many events and shows where I’ve peddled my wares to the faithful fans of the mules and horses. But, before all that mess hit, I’d been contacted

by Liz Hughey, a young woman out of southern Indiana (where I am from too!) about illustrating a poem-story children’s book

8 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

about a young mule just starting out on his career as a pack mule in the Rockies.

When I read the manuscript, I immediately signed on!

“Barney the Lopsided Mule” is a perfect children’s story about a “finicky” young mule (he won’t eat like he is supposed to) and how he grows into his difficult role of pack mule.

“Barney” won the 2017 top award of the year from the Academy of Western Artists (The Will Rogers Medallion Award) in the children’s book category. I’m currently illustrating Liz’s “Little Girls Love Horses” to be released later this year.

In the next few years, Miss Liz sent me two more stories with Barney and his pack partners: “Pack String Hang-Up” in which human and critter, learn the rewards of working together; “Trash Talk” deals with everyone’s obligation to clean up and care for the environment, even if you’re a mule. All three books

Natura l Fun an Wonder Mee d Gam ts es

Is Skille dN in Your ursing Future?

Recog nized N ationa ll Healin g Loca y, lly

COVER ART: “Lift & Separate” have won national awards due to Liz’s writing, and maybe a drawing or two of mine, but their real value are the things they present to the children.

In the meantime, our local Clydesdale breeder, Jack Parnell, asked me to illustrate his book “My Name is Ramsey,” which follows the stallion’s adventures from Scotland to Sandpoint. Jack later presented me with another story about a character on his place, an old apple tree. “The Old Apple Tree and Friends” is about wisdom and care and sharing for sure, and gives a peek into how things were done so many years ago. It is both educational and enriching and well suited to children and adults.

My next illustration/ adventure is about (you’re not going to believe this!) a car!

And not just any car, but one that gets confiscated by aliens from outer space! No kidding!

It is written by another great friend, Mike Kerson from Napa, CA and is a real grin from start to end. I’m just getting started on the illustrations, so it will be awhile before we can share it with you, but fear not!

I’m down to one mule these days. Her name is Iris and she is 32 now and pretty well retired. Wish I could say the same - the 32 years old part!”

Bonnie Shields To view and/or purchase a wide variety of Bonnie’s works go to: BonnieShields.com

Project Offers Help for Dementia Caregivers

D

o you live in a rural area and take care of someone with memory loss? Have recent months left you feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

You are not alone. The pandemic has limited caregiver support services such as support groups and respite care that can help caregivers when they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Caregivers worry about their care partner, and sometimes forget to take care of themselves. The University of California, San Francisco is offering a free online workshop as part of a research study to help rural caregivers. The program is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The workshop provides caregivers with training on reducing stress, managing the difficult behaviors of their friend or family member with memory loss, and planning for the future. “This workshop has given lots of great suggestions for how to handle emotions better,” a recent participant said.

Caregivers also get support from staff and other caregivers.

“One of the most useful aspects of this workshop are the comments, suggestions and support from fellow participants,” another participant said. “Many offered insights I hadn’t even considered.”

Because it is online, the workshop is accessible to caregivers whenever they want it, day or night, and can be accessed on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

“The workshop has given me assurance that I am not alone with caring for my husband,” one woman said. “It was good that I could join in on this discussion at any time day or night and that I did not have to drive anywhere. It is also easier to open up by being anonymous. “Thank you to all for your guidance, support and great suggestions,” she said. “It has helped me so much.”

The Caregiver Project has concluded five rounds of workshops, and over 200 participants are enrolled from across the country.

Caregivers are eligible if they live in a rural area, care for someone with memory loss, have Internet access, and provide care for at least 10 hours per week. Those who participate will be asked to complete four surveys on their caregiving experiences and receive up to $80 in cash.

For information, go online to caregiverproject.ucsf.edu and complete an eligibility survey, or call toll-free 1-833-634-0603, or email caregiverproject@ucsf.edu

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 9

A Bird, a Plane, a Fly, A Floater?

by Dr. Brayden Petersen, Eye Care of Sandpoint

10 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

H

ave you ever been walking down a street when you see a small black object out of the corner of your eye?

You then look and realize nothing was there? Or maybe the time you were sitting in your house looking at the wall and think you see some flies on the wall only to walk closer and realize they were gone? If you can relate to these or any similar event, you are not alone and there is a perfectly good explanation for it. To answer this let’s dive into the anatomy.

In the very back of the eye there are a couple layers that absorb light, known as the retina. Just in front of the retina there is a gel like substance known as the vitreous.

This vitreous makes up the entire center portion of the eye and accounts for roughly 80% of the volume of the eye. The vitreous serves many functions, most important is maintaining the shape of the eye much like air inflates a balloon. Some other roles include keeping the retina (back tissue of the eye) adhered to back of the eye and helping bend light to focus on the retina.

As we put candles on the birthday cake (around 50 of them) this vitreous begins to breakdown and folds in on itself. This clear vitreous gel turns into an opaque strand which then casts a shadow on the retina. It is this shadow that we identify as a “floater.” They are mostly perceived as a grey/black object or linear whispy object that moves with the eye. If the floater is large enough we can begin to see it in everyday situations such as the examples given above. These changes can be slow or very sudden and depend on the individual and what caused the floater to form. Age related changes are the most likely reason for new onset floaters, but there are other conditions that can cause floaters such as: trauma, nearsighted, diabetes and previous surgeries.

The question we often get here at the Eye Clinic Of Sandpoint is “Online it says I needed to get my eyes checked right away with a new floater, why is that?”

It is true that if we read anything about a floater online it will tell us to get our eyes checked immediately. The reason being, you may have experienced a retinal detachment with the new onset floater.

Remember one of the key functions of the vitreous is to keep the retina adhered to the back of the eye. If the vitreous begins to fold in on itself then the retina no longer has support from the vitreous and can become detached from the back of the eye. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency which likely will cause some vision change or even vision loss.

There are some symptoms of a retinal detachment that we like to explain to our patients in addition to new onset floaters.

They include, but are not limited to, new onset floaters, flashes of lights, cobweb or spider webs, sparklers in vision or a curtain that has been drawn on your vision. If any of these symptoms are noted then a medical examination is advised. The good news is not every new onset floater leads to a retinal detachment and chances are the new onset floater is benign.

In summary, we now understand the anatomy and what a floater is. We also know that it is very common and that most of the time they are benign. If you are suffering from either of these or just feel like your vision isn’t quite right, give us a call at 208-263-8501 and let us answer your questions.

Dr. Brayden Petersen earned his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry. He gained advanced training at the Forest Grove Pediatric Clinic, Salt Lake City Veterans Hospital and Eye Institute of Utah. During this time, he specialized in the treatment of ocular disease, contact lenses and comanagement of ocular surgeries.

Given 75% of adults have reported symptoms similar to that of a floater we can assume that floaters come in many shapes and sizes. Floaters can also be benign and not affect vision or can be quite visually debilitating. If the folds are in our visual axis (center part of vision) then we will see them and the floater will likely reduce our vision. If the floater is in the periphery then the shadows on the retina will not likely reduce vision but may be noted from time to time.

Treatment for a benign floater rarely includes anything other than monitoring.

For severe cases the vitreous can be removed via surgery, but it is reserved for cases where vision is greatly hindered. The reason to monitor benign cases is because our brain learns to process out the floater with time. This likely will take months but there comes a time where the new floater diminishes and we no longer noticed it day to day. That does not mean it’s not there but we just don’t notice it as much. https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 11

Bonner General Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic Meet Dr. Anderson: Getting back to her mountain-loving roots while providing expert care to Bonner County and beyond.

by Kristin Carlson, Marketing Specialist, Bonner General Health

B

onner General Health maintains a mission of providing excellent healthcare close to home. When the continued need for a local ENT Clinic remained apparent, BGH set the wheels in motion and opened Bonner General Ear, Nose, & Throat in 2019. A robust recruitment effort landed Dr. Susan Anderson, a Montana native, anxious Dr. Susan Anderson to return to the mountains she calls home. Dr. Anderson is a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat physician (ENT). ENT doctors specialize in the intricate systems of the ear, nose, and throat, providing diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of these systems.

Common ailments an ENT may treat include recurring ear infections, ear tubes, hearing loss evaluations, tinnitus, earwax removal, airway obstruction, polyps and growths, allergies, deviated septum, hoarseness, tonsil, and adenoid infections, problems swallowing, and disorders of the larynx (voice box).

An ENT also treats sleep-disordered breathing and snoring and provides sleep apnea evaluations.

I was able to sit down with Dr. Anderson in between patients for a quick chat. hat was your motivation to move to Sandpoint and join the W BGH team?

I wanted to relocate to Sandpoint to be closer to my family; my father lives in Liberty Lake, Washington. I grew up in Western Montana and was anxious to return to the mountains.

What led you into the medical field, specifically the ENT specialty?

I knew I wanted to pursue a surgical field early in medical school. The anatomy of the ears, nose, and throat is complex and elegant. ENT was appealing to me because of the variety of patients seen, newborns with tongue-tie up to centenarians with hearing loss and ear wax I’ve read studies linking hearing loss to military service.

Any insights?

Almost everyone will experience diminished hearing as we age, and accompanying this hearing loss, many will experience ringing in the ear(s) known as tinnitus. Exposure to loud noises will hasten this process, and military experience increases the risk of noise exposure. The discharge of guns is a common source of high-frequency hearing loss; veterans deployed in more recent military actions have exposure to improvised explosive devices.

Other sources of noise injury include aircraft and equipment engines. Finally, some veterans suffer barotrauma, injury from the shockwave of a blast, resulting in the eardrum’s perforation or dislocation of the small bones behind the eardrum.

12 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

What can be done to help with hearing loss and tinnitus?

The only treatment available for hearing loss for most people is the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids available today are smaller in size and have increased features such as Bluetooth technology, expanding the usefulness of hearing aids. Hearing aids can be connected to smartphones, making conversation easier. Many large public buildings have hearing loops that connect hearing aids directly to public address systems.

Unfortunately, to date, there is no treatment effective for tinnitus. The majority of therapy is aimed at masking tinnitus and coping strategies.

Dr. Anderson says a newer ailment she sees related to hearing loss is in teens and adolescents associated with earbuds or headphones. Kids listen to electronic media at elevated levels, leading to high-frequency hearing loss. However, it is not just the volume causing the hearing changes but also the time spent using earbuds/headphones. Hearing damage is similar to sun damage; it is additive over time, and too much causes harm.

To prevent prolonged damage, Dr. Anderson recommends kids take breaks after an hour of listening and turn the volume down to 60%. The best practice for everyone is you should be able to hear conversations going on around you while listening to your media with earbuds/headphones. Also, no one should sleep with their earbuds/headphones on; this is additional “trauma time” to your hearing.

Dr. Anderson grew up in Anaconda, MT, and attended undergraduate school at Montana State University in Bozeman.

She graduated from medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa. She completed her residency at Ohio University-Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH. The clinic, located in the Pinegrove building in downtown Sandpoint, offers expertise in diagnostic, medical, and surgical management of diseases and disorders related to the ears, nose, throat, and head and neck structures. For more information or to reach Dr. Anderson, call Bonner General Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic at (208) 265-1003 or visit www.bonnergeneral.org.

“I am so grateful for Dr. Anderson. When I was 40 years old, I had an ultrasound on my neck where several nodules were discovered.

Dr. Anderson answered all of my questions and continued to monitor annually. Fast forward two years, and after my yearly ultrasound, I noticed the right-side nodules listed as suspicious. Dr. Anderson called me on the phone and had a half-hour consultation with me. They performed a needle biopsy on both areas and some lymph nodes, and it turned out one of my nodules was cancerous. I met with Dr. Anderson, and she made me feel like I was her only patient. We discussed surgery, many options, and what she thought was best for me. She was very caring and understanding and put my worries at ease. I cannot stress how excellent Dr. Anderson and the staff has been for me. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Anderson for her guidance, care, and follow-up.”

– Erin, Patient at Bonner General Ear, Nose, & Throat Kristin Carlson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Interpersonal Communication from North Carolina State University. She joined the Bonner General Health team in March 2020. Before BGH, Kristin worked as the Communications and Tourism Specialist for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and has experience in Project Management, Recruiting, and Administrative Roles. Her goal is to ensure individuals living in or visiting our community are aware of the exceptional care, providers, and services available at BGH.

Your Hometown Hospital

Providing excellent healthcare close to home.

24-Hour Emergency Department

Hospice

Anticoagulation Clinic

Immediate Care Clinic

Behavioral Health

Intensive Critical Care Unit

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Mammography

Cardiopulmonary Services

Occupational Health

Diagnostic Imaging

Ophthalmology

Infusions & Procedures Clinic

Orthopedics

Family-Centered Maternity Unit

Physical, Occupational &

Family Practice

Speech Therapy

Foundation

Sandpoint Women’s Health

520 N. Third Ave | Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 265-1441 | bonnergeneral.org

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 13

Recognized Nationally, Healing Locally Two Hospitals, Same Campus

by Amy Colbert, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital & Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest

From the Hospital ICU to a Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) Patients with medically complex conditions may be referred to and transferred from a hospital’s intensive or critical care unit to a long term acute care hospital like Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital (NIACH) in Post Falls, Idaho. NIACH is the only long term acute care hospital providing long-term acute and critical care to patients in the Inland Northwest.

LTACH’s specialize in treating patients who are recovering from serious illnesses or injuries, or may have more than one serious condition, and who may improve with time and care to return home.

Often these individuals require additional critical care services for medically complex conditions such as trauma, infectious diseases, wound healing, cardiovascular disease, stroke, amputations, and respiratory failure.

How We Provide Care Our medical professionals work as a team consisting of physicians, nurses, therapists, specialists, pharmacists and other highly trained medical professionals, led by our full-time medical director. Patients receive 24-hour nursing and respiratory care with daily physician management.

Services are tailored to the complex needs of our patients, creating a personalized plan of care that is guided by the patient’s attending physician and coordinated with consulting specialists when necessary.

Other services we provide include: • Occupational therapy • Ventilator weaning • Aquatic therapy water• Wound Care based treatments • S peech, memory and • Pain management cognitive therapy • Dysphagia management • Physical therapy NIACH features all private rooms, including a 4-bed highobservation unit. All rooms are monitored and include state-of-the art specialty beds, cardiac monitoring equipment, and any specialty equipment needed, including ventilators. The hospital also includes well-equipped therapy areas such as a 6,000-square foot therapy gym with private treatment rooms and a heated aquatic therapy pool with an electric lift.

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We also treat individuals with: • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) • Acute Respiratory Failure • Sepsis • Burns • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) • Dysphagia • Decubitus/Pressure Ulcers • Degenerative Diseases • Diabetes

• Drug-Resistant Infections (MRSA, VRE) • Emphysema • Gastrointestinal Diseases • Leukemia • Lymphedema • Neurological Diseases or Injuries • Pneumonia • Renal Disease/Failure • Rheumatoid Diseases

If you have a question about whether we provide treatment for a condition or diagnosis not listed, please email or call us at 208.262.2800.

Certified in Respiratory Failure NIACH is the first hospital in Idaho to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Respiratory Failure. We are proud to be a “Center of Excellence” for all respiratory failure patients, including those who require prolonged ventilator management and weaning.

We treat numerous medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions that can potentially result in respiratory failure, including: • Interstitial lung disease • Chronic obstructive and other pulmonary pulmonary disease diseases that require high(COPD) flow oxygen • Pneumonia • Conditions that affect the • Acute respiratory distress nerves and muscles that syndrome (ARDS) control breathing such as • Other medical or surgical stroke, spinal cord injuries, complications that require and muscular dystrophy prolonged mechanical ventilation

Recognized Nationally for Respiratory Care Services Respiratory therapists working closely with physicians and staff to provide a wide range of services to patients such as ventilator weaning, tracheostomy care, and pulmonary disease management, have earned us the national Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) from the American Association for Respiratory Care. This designation is given to facilities that meet strict safety and quality standards related to providing respiratory care. Our hospital is among 700 nationwide – or 15 percent – to receive this recognition.

Top 10% Matters!

Across the way on the same campus is Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest (RHN) ranked in the top 10% of inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States, 7 years in a row! The ranking is by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR), a not-forprofit corporation that was developed with support from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation research, a component of the U.S. Department of Education.

The UDSMR ranks rehabilitation facilities based upon care that is: 3. Efficient 1. Patient-Centered 4. Timely 2. Effective This means Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest, as a nationally recognized healthcare leader, provides our patients with the medical care they may need while receiving the highest level of rehabilitative care available – without having to leave the area. We consider it a privilege to be able to offer high-level care and are honored to be a vital part of the community we serve.

National Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation Too! RHN is the first hospital in Idaho to earn The Joint Commission’s disease-specific certification in Stroke Rehabilitation as well as Amputee Rehabilitation.

Calvin Dustybull’s Journey to Recovery

A

fter an extended hospitalization, Calvin Dustybull chose Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest to help him regain his function and independence.

After undergoing heart surgery, Calvin Dustybull had a complicated recovery. Calvin has a complex medical history, including coronary artery disease, mitral stenosis, chronic atrial fibrillation, and diabetes with advanced chronic kidney disease. The 62-year-old faced a long and complicated recovery before he could safely return home to his two sons in Browning, MT. Twenty days after a quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting, Calvin still needed a high level of medical care. He required a ventilator, dialysis, and an NG tube for feeding. He also suffered from encephalopathy (altered mental state) and thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count). For self-care activities, Calvin required the assistance of others.

Calvin needed a hospital that specialized in managing medicallycomplex patients like himself. His care team at Benefits Hospital in Great Falls, Montana referred him to Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital (NIACH). At NIACH, Calvin began to make progress in his recovery. The pulmonary intensivist team and clinicians weaned him off the ventilator.

Soon, he was decannulated and breathing room air. Over the course of five weeks, Calvin received dialysis three times per week. With nutritional support and therapies, his strength improved. Except for a slight memory deficit, Calvin’s encephalopathy resolved, as well.

Calvin recalls the staff at NIACH encouraging him to work hard and keep fighting each day. “At the beginning, I couldn’t speak or remember my name,” Calvin said of his admission to NIACH. “But with the help of therapies and encouragement from the staff, I remained focused on my goals and my memory started to improve.”

With a strong foundation to build on, Calvin was ready for the next stage of his recovery. However, his needs remained great. Calvin’s care

Certification is voluntary and given after a rigorous on-site review of the hospital’s practices, programs, and outcomes in treating stroke patients. It is available only to acute care hospitals that are accredited

by The Joint Commission.

To get the most successful results for our patients, the hospital promotes family involvement, and follows best practices and evidencebased clinical practice guidelines through our stroke and amputee services, resulting in: • Quicker recovery times for patients • More patients discharged to home • More physical and cognitive independence for patients Our interdisciplinary healthcare team works with patients and their family members to create individualized treatment plans so the patients can progress at their own ability levels. The rehabilitation team includes specially trained physicians, nurses, case managers, and occupational, speech, and physical therapists, among other medical professionals.

Our healthcare team provides 24-hour rehabilitative nursing care and daily physician management. All patients have access to private patient rooms and well-equipped therapy areas, including a 2,360-square-foot therapy gym and an aquatic therapy pool.

Patients can practice at-home activities while still under the supervision of a healthcare professional in our daily living and transitional suites. RHN also offers home evaluations to identify any necessary modifications that may need to be made to a patient’s house before leaving the hospital to ensure a safer return home.

We provide the very best, nationally recognized local healing for our community. Call us today to schedule a personal tour! 208-262-8700

plan required continued hemodialysis, therapy for strengthening, wound and stoma care, anticoagulation management, diabetic management, and continued nutritional support. This led Calvin to Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest (RHN). RHN shares a campus with NIACH in Post Falls.

There, Calvin would receive the medical care he needed while receiving more intensive therapy. For three hours each day, Calvin received physical, occupational, and speech therapy at RHN. Throughout his stay at RHN, Calvin made great strides in his recovery. He increased his independence with transfers and activities of daily living. His mobility improved to ambulating 120 feet with a fourwheel walker. Speech therapy helped address his mild cognitive defects.

Calvin also made progress with his diabetes. He no longer required insulin, with his hemoglobin A1C down to 5.8.

Calvin attributes his great outcomes to goal setting and the team approach at both NIACH and RHN. He expressed appreciation for the education he received, as well. The staff taught Calvin about his medical conditions, medications, exercises, and assistive devices. They also shared ways to increase his safety, strength, and function at home. This education carried over to his loved ones, as well. On Calvin’s discharge day, his two sons and a friend participated in caregiver training. Staff informed them of necessary follow-up appointments they had set for Calvin, too.

Calvin and his loved ones were excited for his return home. They planned a cookout with his grandkids and friends to celebrate his success. Calvin continues to gain additional strength each day, utilizing the education he received at NIACH and RHN. Calvin’s story you just read is one of several you can read about at NIACH.ErnestHealth.com and RHN.ErnestHealth.com.

Please contact us for any questions, we welcome your inquiries. NIACH: 208-262-2800 or RHN for questions and to schedule a tour: 208-262-8700

Amy Colbert is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Ernest Health, the parent company of NIACH & RHN and was also the Business Development Liaison for two prior years with Ernest Health. Amy holds a B.S. in Social Work from Lewis Clark State College. Her professional career began as a Social Worker/Discharge Planner at Kootenai Health for 20 years before serving with Kindred Home Health, an ultimately joining the Ernest Health team at NIACH & RHN in Post Falls, ID. https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 15

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

When you need to choose a Medicare plan, Humana can help Find a plan that fits your goals and your life It’s time to choose a 2022 Medicare plan, and I’m here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may include additional beneits and services to meet your needs. Humana offers plans with the coverage you might want at a cost that may work for your budget.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent Humana MarketPoint Idaho Office 208-319-3400 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A more human way to healthcare™ Y0040_GHHHXDDEN22_AD_M

16 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 17

A Crisis Counselor is Here for You!

by Annabelle Payne, Director, Pend Oreille County Counseling Services

A

ll individuals in Pend Oreille County Team a diverse work background with experiences are eligible to receive behavioral health ranging from mobile crisis response teams to VA crisis services, regardless of ability to homeless outreach and diversion programs, in both pay or with no insurance coverage. large urban and rural counties. Charles models Crisis services provide assessment and intervention the essential practice of dignity and respect for all supports to help stabilize individuals and families, individuals in crisis. If you would like to know more experiencing a mental health and/or substance about crisis services, he would be happy to discuss; Charles Doyal use disorder crisis. Services are available 24 hours, call (509) 447‑5651 and ask for Charlie.

7 days a week.

While a mental health crisis is by definition a Pend Oreille County Counseling Services (POCCS) serves as distressing and often confusing experience, crisis supports can the primary Crisis Response provider, for the County. In 2021, make a difference. If you or someone you know, need suicide POCCS provided 580 crisis service hours to over 200 individuals. or behavioral health crisis support, the following are resources: The Crisis Team is comprised of caring professionals, to For immediate assistance with life threatening and/or

include three dedicated Designated Crisis Responders, who medically dangerous situations, call 911. hold advance degrees in mental health and extensive training in For Pend Oreille County – during regular business

crisis response. Charles Doyal heads the POCCS Crisis team, as hours contact the Counseling Services department @ the Crisis Services Manager. Charles brings to the POCCS Crisis 509-447-5651 or 800-404-5151 (TTY 800-833-6388).

F or After-Hours, call the Regional Crisis Line @ 877-266‑1818.

A crisis counselor will be available to support you.

National Crisis lines • National Suicide Prevention Help Line – 800-273-TALK (8255) • National Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 • The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386 • Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860 • Teen Text Line – 844-814-8336 • Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1; or text 838255

Other dedicated hotlines/helplines • 1-800-799-7233 for the National Domestic Violence Support Hotline.

• 1-888-373-7888 for the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Or, text ‘Help’ to 233-733.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 Annabelle Payne is the Director of Pend Oreille County Counseling Services. Pend Oreille County Counseling Services provides outpatient substance use disorder and mental health treatment, to include case management supports for inpatient treatment.

Counseling Services also partners with Newport Hospital and Health Services for medication-assisted treatment. Call 509.447.5651, pendoreilleco.org/ your-government/counseling-services 18 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

all the ways to play.

Discover

Tucked away in beautiful Northeast Washington, Kalispel Casino features the region’s most exciting gaming action, fit for any thrill-seeker. Make it an overnight adventure at Kalispel RV Resort, with a selection of full hookup sites and cozy cottages that offer all the amenities of home. Indulge in an ever-evolving menu of family-friendly dining options in the restaurant, grab a drink in the lounge, and shop Kalispel Market for grocery essentials, camping supplies, and locally-made products. Or, simply step outside and explore all that Mother Nature has to offer in the beautiful Pend Oreille River Valley. At Kalispel Casino, you’ll never run out of ways to play.

W he re se re ni ty m ee ts Am en it ie s.

Kalispel Tribe Reservation on the Pend Oreille River at the foot of the Selkirks

420 Qlispe River Way, Cusick, WA 1-833-881-7492 | kalispelcasino.com

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 19

Find adventure and entertainment in Cusick, WA.

T

ucked away in the heart of the Pend Oreille River Valley, surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, you’ll find a unique vacation destination offering the perfect way to get away from it all. Deemed a hidden gem, Kalispel RV Resort sits among a beautiful overlook of buffalo-roamed land, and it’s here that you can explore the lush landscape with endless outdoor activity, all while just a stone’s throw from plenty of amenities.

Kalispel RV Resort features 33 full hookup sites, complete with power, sewer, water, and WiFi, as well as eight cozy cottages that offer all the luxuries of home. With every stay at an RV site or cottage, guests will experience the very

best Kalispel Hospitality; a reflection of the Kalispel people with an overarching goal to make everyone feel welcome. Use the RV Resort as your home base and experience all that Pend Oreille County has to offer with a range of nearby adventure and excitement.

A few steps away from the RV Resort, Kalispel Casino features the most popular slot machines, a familyfriendly restaurant, a 21-and-over bar hangout, and so much more. Kalispel Casino commonly welcomes talented live entertainers, hosts car shows and other community events, and offers the area’s best in gaming excitement. With progressive machines, exhilarating slot

tournaments, and a range of giveaways and promotions, there’s never lack of entertainment here.

Just a short stroll from Kalispel RV Resort lies Kalispel Market, where you can load up on fresh produce, ready-to-eat hot deli options, cold beer and regional wines, plus firewood and outdoor recreation essentials. Shop the selection of oneof-a-kind gifts and souvenirs featuring handcrafted works of art from Kalispel Metal Products. With each unique piece, you’ll truly bring home a memory of your Cusick experience. Restrooms with showers allow RVers to freshen up, and card-operated laundry machines are available as an added convenience. Truly a one-stop shop, you can fuel up with Chevron gas before heading out of town.

The Pend Oreille River Valley serves as an outdoorsman’s paradise, with unlimited open-air adventure not far away from the RV Resort. The Pend Oreille

Natural Wonder

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River Water Trail stretches along 70 miles and offers the perfect conditions for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. There are always opportunities to fish or take a boat ride with convenient nearby boat launch amenities at area lakes. Peaceful hiking trails grant the chance to explore the Selkirk Mountains and forests, with a range of difficulty levels and distances to choose from. Embrace your chance to explore among gorgeous camascovered meadows, huckleberry bushes, and groves of cedar, fir, and hemlock.

Birdwatching is abundant in these parts, with over 200 species of birds flocking to the area annually, including herons, hummingbirds, and osprey. Plus, the region is home to over 100 head of buffalo roaming over hundreds of acres.

The Kalispel Tribe started the herd with a modest group of just 12 buffalo, and the majestic creatures serve as an important part of Tribal culture. If hunting is your sport of choice, the Cusick-area land is well known for waterfowl and big game like deer, elk, moose, and bear.

For true adventure-seekers, local ATV trails offer beautiful vista views, and mountain bikers can hit the downhill runs for a thrilling ride. The Selkirk Mountains serve as the perfect winter recreation destination, popular for snowboarding, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Groomed trails at the nearby Geophysical Sno-Park are fit for crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking, rounding out all the cold-weather adventure you could hope for.

Pairing nearby outdoor recreation with everyday entertainment, Kalispel RV Resort is the perfect basecamp to experience adventure and excitement in Pend Oreille County.

There’s no better time to get away from it all and enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Call 833.881.7492 or visit kalispelrvresort.com to reserve your stay.

Meets

Fun and Games

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 21

Benefits of

Medical Massage

Therapy

By Deb Gilstrap, LMT, Camas Center Clinic

O

ver the last couple of years there has been a rapid increase in stress levels. Many people are searching for new and healthy ways to cope. Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being.

What is Medical Massage?

Medical Massage is outcome-based. In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage focuses on the medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility or treat other healthcare concerns.

Targeting your needs through a variety of techniques, a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery is used to achieve the goal of treating the medical condition. There are many different types of massage, including these common types: • Swedish Massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping. It helps you feel relaxed and energized.

• Deep Massage. This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It’s commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries.

• Sports Massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it’s geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.

• Trigger Point Massage. This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

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Benefits of Massage Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. It is increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

Massage benefits can include: •R educing stress and increasing relaxation •R educing pain and muscle soreness and tension • I mproving circulation, energy and alertness •L owering heart rate and blood pressure • I mproving immune function Massage may also be helpful for: •A nxiety •D igestive disorders • F ibromyalgia •H eadaches • I nsomnia related to stress • Lower

back pain •M yofascial pain syndrome •N erve pain • S oft tissue strains or injuries • S ports injuries •T emporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) •U pper back and neck pain Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.

Despite the benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Discuss with your doctor your interest in massage therapy.

Check with your insurance provider for coverage. Appointments are available Monday - Wednesday. Please contact the Camas Center Medical Clinic for more information. 509.447.7111

Deb Gilstrap, LMT is the Medical Massage Therapist at the Camas Center Clinic in Usk, WA. She attended Inland Massage Institute and is continually upgrading her training and knowledge in therapeutic massage.

Deb’s goal is to help you achieve success in managing your health.

DEB GILSTRAP, LMT Medical Massage Therapist

Swedish Massage | Deep Massage | Sports Massage | Trigger Point Massage

CLINIC HOURS

Monday - Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm CAMASCENTERCLINIC.ORG

1821 N LeClerc RD, Ste #1 Cusick, WA 99119 The Camas Center Clinic is open to the public and accepts most public and commercial insurances.

Medical Massage is outcome-based. In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage focuses on the medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility or treat other health care concerns.

Targeting your needs through a variety of techniques, a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery is used achieve the goal of the medical condition.

Appointments available Monday - Wednesday.

Please contact the Camas Center Medical Clinic for more information.

APPOINTMENTS: 509.447.7111 https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 23

by Jamie Mark, MSN, ARNP, and Jason Aldred, MD, Selkirk Neurology

E

Essential Tremor

ssential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that causes a shaking tremor of the hands and head. This results in difficulty using the hands to dress, eat, drink, write and more or less any other part of movement that requires fine motor skills of the hands. ET may also affect speech and give the voice a “shaky” quality when a person speaks.

Both young people, adults and older adults may develop ET. The longer a person lives the more likely they are to develop ET. In fact 1 out of every 5 people older than 95 years has ET. A common concern after developing tremor is the worry that the tremor is a sign of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is also a neurological condition where tremor is present.

However, unlike essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease also includes very slow movement, shuffling walking, soft voice, slow thinking, and muscle stiffness. Essentially tremor is essentially…. tremor.

ET is much more common that people may realize with nearly 2.5% of the US population affected by ET which is more than two times more common than Parkinson’s disease. Most often the tremor we see in this condition is very mild and an afterthought. However, for a small number of people the tremor can be moderate and bothersome or even severe and incredibly disruptive to their ability to live well.

Even though ET is not a terminal or fatal condition it can interfere with so many of our daily activities in which getting through basic house chores, not to mention enjoying hobbies, may be a serious problem. Speaking to your primary doctor is the first thing to consider if you have a tremor. They may do an examination and run blood tests to look for medical causes. Often, if the tremor is moderate or severe they will refer you to a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor specialized in diagnosing and treating disorder of the brain and nerves.

Parkinson’s Support Groups In-person support groups have been suspended during the pandemic. Contact the individuals below to learn if they are meeting virtually, and what their plans are for resuming in-person groups.

COEUR D’ALENE

SANDPOINT

Lake City Center, 1916 N Lakewood Drive 1st Friday of the month at 1 - 2:30 pm Contact: Beth Hatcher 208-635-5243 Email: cdapsg@hotmail.com

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

Women with Parkinson’s Affinity Apartments, 3594 N. Cederblom Street 3rd Friday at 1 pm. A casual get-together. Free to people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

KALISPELL

Gateway Community Center 1203 Hwy 2 West, United Way Conference Room Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Flathead Valley 3rd Wednesday of the month at 3 - 4:30 pm Contact: Marjory McClaren 406-250-5577 Email: marjmccl@yahoo.com Contact: Lynnell Gravelle 406-756-7250 Email: lynnell@arspt.com 4th Wednesday of the month at 3 - 4:30 pm Contact: Lynn Woods 406-420-2321 Email: lynwoods@gmail.com This is a new group forming now to address the needs of Parkinson’s Care Partners. Please join us!

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SPOKANE

Women Affected by PD Support Group Riverview Retirement, Dining Room 1801 E Upriver Drive, 1st Thursdays at 1 - 2:30 pm A group of remarkable women living well with Parkinson’s.

Contact: Sally Sullivan 509-499-5113 Email: 22sullys@gmail.com Parkinson’s Support Group Touchmark on South Hill, 2929 S Waterford Drive 3rd Wednesdays at 2:30 - 4 pm Contact: Lori McCormick 509-321-8130 Email: lori.mccormick@touchmark.com

Check www.NWPF.org for details Follow us on Facebook! @NW Parkinson’s Foundation

A neurologist is able to examine the tremor and confirm if this is caused by essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease and answer your questions about the tremor. The goal of working with your doctor regarding tremor is to understand the cause and know if and when you need to have it treated, and how to do so safely and in a way that really makes a difference.

There are two to three medications that are very useful to treat ET. Propranolol and primidone are very commonly used to treat ET. When prescribed correctly and monitored closely the use of these medication often results in 50% or more reduction in the severity of the tremor.

There are other medications that may be useful if those are not a good fit. A newer device called the Cala Trio is a bracelet that may be warn and reduces the severity of the tremor. Since this is just newly released, most insurance companies do not cover the Cala Trio just yet. For more severe or bothersome cases of ET that do not respond to medication, we are very fortunate to have advanced treatment options.

The options to treat more advanced ET are concerned with targeting a specific part of the brain called the thalamus that has developed a bad electrical signal. Think of the “rabbit ears” antenna on televisions; when there was static, adjusting the antenna gave a clear signal. This is a similar idea for how treating the thalamus, deep within the brain, makes the brain electrical signal more “normal” and relieves the tremor.

Deep brain stimulation is the most commonly used treatment for essential tremor. This involves a specialized neurosurgeon implanting a very thin wire deep into the brain, in the thalamus, and connecting this wire to a small pacemaker device below the collarbone. This device is hidden completely under the skin and no one (not even you!) can see it. After the neurosurgeon puts in the device, a neurologist turns on the device, then quickly programs the settings and it starts working immediately. For some patients who are not medically safe enough to undergo deep brain stimulation, we have options to use a radiation beam (Gamma Knife) or focused ultrasound to burn a very small hole precisely in the brain that results in normal electrical signal in the brain to improve tremor. The radiation and the ultrasound treatments have the advantage of no device implanted into the body, and they both do work well. However, for some patients the tremor can worsen and using the deep brain stimulator is often a better choice because this treatment can have the settings adjusted to keep up with the tremor.

The bottom line is that if you or someone you know is bothered by a tremor you should ask for help! It is important to know the cause of tremor and there are many safe and effective ways to live with tremor which can improve your life

Jamie joined Selkirk Neurology in 2018 after serving as lead neurology nurse practitioner at Northwest Neurological for almost 20 years. She is as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in clinic and has achieved national recognition for her work in the programming and management of DBS patients, working closely with the care team of the Spokane DBS Program in collaboration with Dr. John Carlson MD, PhD of Providence Medical Center and Selkirk provider and movement disorder specialist Dr. Jason Aldred. She travels around the nation educating providers about DBS programming and care management for DBS patients. She is dedicated to speaking with patient groups interested in exploring DBS as a treatment option. Jamie graduated from the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing (INC) in Spokane where she obtained her bachelor of science in nursing and registered nursing degrees. She later went on to receive her masters of science of nursing and advanced nurse practitioner degree from the same institution. She is a dedicated provider of quality neurological care and her patients greatly enjoy her knowledgable and amiable approach in addressing their needs. Jamie is currently on the Parkinson’s Resource Center of Spokane’s board of directors and is a former board member of the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Dr. Aldred, co-founder of Selkirk Neurology in Spokane, is a board-certified neurologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN). He completed neurology residency at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), serving as neurology chief resident. He then completed an additional two-year clinical research fellowship in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders at the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Educational, and Clinical Center (PADRECC), a collaborative program between the Portland VA and OHSU. Dr. Aldred also completed formal training in clinical research through the Human Investigators Program (HIP) at OHSU focused on design and execution of clinical trials. Dr. Aldred provides diagnosis and treatment for all neurological conditions, with a special interest in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. He conducts clinical trials for a variety of neurological disorders through funding sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Patient Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI), as well as other sources. These research activities are conducted through Inland Northwest Research, a collaboration between providers and trained staff currently integrated into the Selkirk Neurology clinic.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 25

Why Seek an Elder Law Attorney?

by Rebecca Eyman, Partner, Coyle & Eyman Elder Law

I

n my practice as an elder law attorney, the first question many clients ask is, “Why should I hire an elder law attorney?”

Finding the right attorney and paying for legal services can be an ordeal. Disclosing private financial information and discussing death and incapacity can be uncomfortable. Many people would prefer to resolve estate planning issues on their own and avoid the chore and expense of hiring a lawyer. But is that truly wise?

The expense associated with meeting with an estate planning attorney, in the long run, will far outweigh the expense of solving unforeseen legal problems down the line.

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The simplest reason why consulting with an elder law attorney is a good idea is because you just don’t know what you don’t know. Your family’s situation may seem straightforward to you, but pitfalls likely exist that you would never see coming until it’s too late. Elder law attorneys can offer insight into the many elements that make up a comprehensive estate plan, including estate planning documents, financial and tax planning, and planning for incapacity. For this reason, taking advantage of an elder law attorney’s experience and expertise can save you money and hassle down the line.

For example, I often hear from my clients that, rather than preparing and funding a revocable living trust, they would prefer to put one of their children’s names on the deed to their real property. In their minds, this is an easy way for their families to avoid the probate process after they die. If you were to add one of your children to the title of your home, the arrangement could work, however, there are likely to be several negative unforeseen consequences. Most immediately, you would likely

lose your homeowner’s property tax exemption if you add a person to the title who does not reside in your home. If you have more than one child, leaving your residence to one child and trusting them to “do the right thing” and share the inheritance with their siblings could go awry if that child chooses to keep the property for themselves. What’s more, gifting the property to a child denies that child a step-up in tax basis for capital gains calculation down the line, and could also complicate a future Medicaid application. You’d never know this all was coming your way if you hadn’t consulted with an elder law attorney!

On the topic of Medicaid and other public benefits, many people don’t know that an experienced elder law attorney can assist with long-term care planning and the Medicaid application process. The cost of paying for long-term care can be astronomical, and it can be daunting for families trying to figure out how to pay. The situation is even more complicated for the spouse of the Medicaid applicant, who is afraid to become impoverished as a result of the Medicaid “spend down.” The concept of estate recovery—the state’s recouping of Medicaid benefits paid out after the death of the Medicaid recipient—is also widely misunderstood. To make matters more confusing, each state has their own Medicaid rules. Attempting to research Medicaid issues online could lead an applicant astray if the information accessed is not applicable to Idaho. An elder law attorney can help Medicaid applicants and their families navigate this confusing and overwhelming process.

It is also common to feel put off or confused by “legalese” contained in Wills, Powers of Attorney, and other legal documents. It is tempting to prepare your own legal documents, or print something off the internet. However, those confounding

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:

legal phrases often have an important meaning, and leaving them off could have negative consequences. Also, legal documents obtained online could be tailored to another state, or contain unnecessary or contradictory terms.

An uncomfortable—but necessary—term to carefully consider in your estate planning documents, is that of predeceased heirs.

This means that you must indicate who will inherit your estate if your children die before you do. Such an idea is no doubt upsetting and uncomfortable to discuss. However, if your estate plan does not specifically state what should happen in that event, your estate might be distributed to persons that you do not wish to include in your legacy. Tough discussions can be morbid, but they serve to avoid unintended consequences!

All in all, the expense associated with meeting with an estate planning attorney, in the long run, will far outweigh the expense of solving unforeseen legal problems down the line. Simple and effective tools exist to resolve issues and effectuate your goals.

The experienced elder law attorneys at Coyle & Eyman Elder law can help you get started. Call our office at (208) 765-3595 or visit cwelp.com to learn more!

• Probates and Trust Estate Administration • Guardianships and Conservatorship • Other related Tax, Real Estate, and Financial issues facing seniors

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.

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.

• Wills & Trusts • Estate Planning • Powers of Attorney Estate Planning · Elder Law (208) 765-3595 · cwelp.com

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 27

T

here’s a shortage of healthcare workers in this country across many areas, including in the home care field. That means if you’re looking for a caregiver job, your skills are definitely in demand.

However, not all home care companies are created equal. When you’re looking for a job as a caregiver, it’s important to not only assess the duties and responsibilities you’ll be handling, but also the culture of the company. That culture will directly affect how you do your job and how you feel at the end of the day.

What is Culture & Why is It Important?

Culture is akin to a home care company’s unique personality. It includes factors like mission, vision and values. It also includes the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a team, including both leaders and employees, interact with each other.

When you work for a home care company with a strong culture that aligns with your own beliefs and attitudes, you’ll feel more comfortable on the job and loyal to your employer. During your tenure, you’ll also be happier and more satisfied, which will improve your quality of life overall.

What Cultural Attributes to Look for in a Caregiver Job

Looking for a Caregiver Job? Does Company Culture Matter?

by FirstLight Home Care of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene

28 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

Given the impact it will have on your level of satisfaction, culture is important to assess when you’re looking for a caregiver job. But what specific areas should you search for when it comes to evaluating an employer and a potential job opportunity? Here are a few: Reputation: When you’re seeking out caregiver jobs, do your homework and research each company before you apply. You want to work for a reputable, credible home care company. If you have friends who work in caregiver jobs, you can ask them for referrals and which companies are known as good employers in the industry. Reputation matters and you will be happier at a company that has a solid one.

Work Environment: It can be difficult to find out about the work environment from a job description.

However, if you’re called for an interview, make sure you ask questions about the environment and what it’s like to be part of the team. Ask the person interviewing you what they like most about working for the company. Also inquire about areas like continuing education and training. These are good indicators that an employer values and invests in their caregivers.

Scheduling: You want to work for an employer who is flexible with their hours and schedule. This is particularly important when you have your own family and personal obligations. When searching for caregiver jobs, look for employers who are accommodating when it comes to scheduling flexibility.

Why Consider Caregiver Jobs at FirstLight Home Care The foundation of our company starts with the amazing caregivers we employ. It’s why we treat them with respect, ensuring they’re recognized, heard and trusted within our organization.

We also provide rewarding opportunities to help improve the lives of others, as well as the chance to be part of a dynamic and stable team of professionals. In everything we do, including in the way we treat our caregivers, we offer encouragement, support and a first-class place to work.

Some other reasons to consider a job at FirstLight Home Care include: • Our values. We’re dedicated to living out our core values each day, from client happiness, peace of mind and excellence to personal growth and accountability. We want to help our clients and our employees thrive and strive to exceed the expectations of both.

• Our relationships. When you work with us, you’ll see a difference in the relationships we cultivate. Relationships come first at our company, not only with those we care for, but our employees, as well. We promote a culture of advancement, thoughtfulness and communication. It’s why so many of our caregivers have been with us for years.

• Our respect. At the end of the day, we truly value our caregivers and the job they do. We rely on our team to deliver quality care and to enhance the well-being of those we serve. It’s why we want to help our caregivers succeed

through opportunities for training, advancement and other ways to learn and grow. With FirstLight Home Care, you can find a job as a caregiver that helps you reach your potential and shine.

See for Yourself Why Caregivers Love Their Jobs at FirstLight Home Care If you’re wondering more about what it’s like to work for FirstLight Home Care, we invite you to visit our caregiver page at: https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/why-firstlight/our-caregivers/ and watch a few videos of some of our top team members. These are individuals who work for our team and love every minute of it.

They can give you a first-hand look into what it’s like to care for our clients and be a part of our company.

If you’re interested in learning more about the caregiver jobs available in your local area from FirstLight Home Care, contact us today at 208-758-8090. See our rewarding opportunities at: https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/blog/2021/02/18/caregiverjobs-offer-a-career-with-meaning/ This article is provided

by Brad Leggat and Matt Zastrow, owners of FirstLight Home Care of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

For more information, visit www.coeurdalene.

FirstLightHomeCare.com or call (208)758-8090.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 29

Overcoming Isolation: Parent Resources for Navigating A New World

By Heather Hamilton-Post

“I always had a desire to connect with other mothers.

Pregnancy is something that is so new to first time parents. You are hit with so many different viewpoints, advertisements for products, and cautionary experiences that make you start to seriously question how ready you really are. There are so many times I wanted to know firsthand from moms just what worked for them,” says Lisa Southorn, who, with her husband Dave, welcomed their first child in November of 2021.

“I think dealing with a pandemic and lack of exposure to normal in-person relationships you might otherwise build with parents such as in a birthing class, really made me feel more alone,” she explains.

For anyone who has endured pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood in the last two years or so, the experience is undoubtedly different from their many predecessors. While it is not uncommon for new parents to report feeling suddenly changed and newly isolated, a global pandemic certainly doesn’t do anything to bring new parents the sense of community that many crave.

Whether embarking on a difficult breastfeeding journey, struggling to combat feelings of postpartum depression, or navigating the sometimes difficult waters of family vaccination status, new and early parenthood is best approached with the support of a community.

Plan to Attend!

Of course, this looks a little different now than it did two years ago.

Finding Community in Chaos Southorn describes experiencing self doubt throughout her pregnancy and as she began her breastfeeding journey. She also describes a sense of missing out on some of the fun parts of a non pandemic pregnancy – like in person birthing classes and more support in the delivery room and even at home. She says it was a juggling act at first, requiring a constant risk analysis as she and her husband navigated new parenthood together. The sense of isolation was real.

Sadly, Lisa’s experience isn’t unique. If you’ve scrolled through a Twitter feed or stood around a break room water cooler, you’ve probably heard a version of the headline that’s been floating around for, at this point, years: American Parents are in Crisis. There are reports of mothers gathering, organized via social media, to scream while distanced but together, out in a field. Parents, especially mothers, are quitting their jobs in record numbers. Without options for face-to-face support, breastfeeding rates amongst low income populations, when compared to those of babies born outside the pandemic, are in decline. Infants who received any breastfeeding at 1 month decreased from 79.66% to 76.96% (p = 0.139). The percentage of infants who received any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months significantly decreased from 64.57% to 56.79% (p = 0.001) and from 48.69% to 38.62% (p = 0.0035), respectively.1 Remote services became the norm, and for many organizations, continue to be offered rather than face-to-face support. Like everything else, this presents significant challenges while offering new opportunities.

The Advantages of Remote Service Models

Visit https://www.idahobreastfeeding.org/ 30 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

Although remote support systems and gatherings can leave participants feeling disconnected, they do offer the potential to reach parents in remote locations, or those who may have other children at home, lack transportation, or otherwise have difficulty leaving the house. Often, the costs associated with remote methods are less because they don’t require an individual space, complicated technology, or logistical costs. For

some families, the shift to online spaces has actually opened doors to new ways of engaging with a community, regardless of their physical location. In Idaho, a local Le Leche League leader reports regular engagement with mothers from outside of the state who accidentally connected with a group.

Although there is nothing quite like in-person support for pregnancy preparation, breastfeeding, and parental training or encouragement, organizations across the world are still finding ways to embrace going digital, even as things move, however temporarily, back to in-person support.

Advocacy Organizations

Where to Find Support

The Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition is a nonprofit 501c3 who strives to establish breastfeeding as a biological norm for a healthier Idaho by working in five focus areas (legislative, breastfeeding research, coalition support for breastfeeding as a norm, community outreach and education, and support of national initiatives). In support of breastfeeding families, we have developed a robust bank of resources, listed by Idaho Health Department District, on www.idahobreastfeeding.org/ community-resources. Please let us know if there’s something we can do to support you.

Peer Support Groups To address her self doubt and isolation, Southorn asked her husband for his support, but knew she’d need to seek out community too. She connected with other mothers in her circle via social media and texts, which gave her a sense of belonging.

“I wasn’t the only one who had questions or struggled with every day aspects of breastfeeding or getting sleep,” she says. Southorn also found an app called “Peanut” that connects users with local moms, through which she formed friendships.

For parents interested in more formal breastfeeding support, there are peer counselors through WIC, as well as groups like La Leche League and Breastfeeding USA, helping to build community and offer advice through peer support. These frequently happen in online spaces too.

Professional Service Providers For mental health support, there are a variety of counselors offering services online, including sites like Better Help and Talk Space, which offer many providers in one place and operate quickly.

For breastfeeding issues, private practice lactation support professionals are excellent resources for families, and often meet clients online or in small, private settings. They maintain relationships with a variety of professionals who support breastfeeding through things like chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, and even massage, and connect parents to resources that fit their needs.

Local hospitals also offer a variety of services, including prenatal breastfeeding and childbirth education, in person outpatient location services, online free weekly parenting support groups, on and offline. To learn more, contact your local hospital.

Organizations like Postpartum Support International and Maternal Mental Health Now seek to connect users with local resources, host online support groups, and host a variety of online resources for struggling parents. A simple internet search for “postpartum support” can also help connect you to resources in your area.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Additional Resources

Koleilat, M., Whaley, S. E., & Clapp, C. (2022). The Impact of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding Rates in a Low-Income Population.

Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 17(1), 33–37. https://doi.org/10.1089/ bfm.2021.0238

1

Heather Hamilton-Post is a passionate advocate for breastfeeding after embarking upon very different breastfeeding relationships with each of her children. She holds a degree in Agricultural Communications from University of Idaho and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from University of Arizona. A lifelong Idahoan, she now works as a writer and editor in Caldwell.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 31

A Birthday Box of Books

by Kristin Ludwig, Director of Development, North Idaho CASA

W

hile child protective caseloads are down, the CASAs of Bonner County have been busy establishing new outreach programs that directly impact foster kids and their families.

Most people know that CASA helps children overcome the trauma they have experienced through abuse or neglect.

Whether reunification with the biological family or adoption into a new family is the result, CASA also provides tools for healthy living to the whole family. Through Project Permanency, CASA works to support family connections, aid in the process of releasing shame and helps to build stable relationships. We are rooting for successful reunification for all of our families.

This project is bigger than us. In addition to breaking the cycle of abuse, we strive to provide encouragement and 32 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

pride for families trapped in situational or generational poverty. Poverty can make people feel deficient. Poverty impacts motivation, expectations, learning relationships and communication. We empower individuals to thrive rather that survive.

Envision the pride instilled in a parent who can provide a bed for a child who usually sleeps on the floor, or new clothes to a child who has only worn hand-medowns. Partnering with these families helps set parents up for loving success.

COVID opened our eyes to other needs within our CASA families. We call these COVID Keepers. And, we are happy to report: these programs are here to stay.

So many of our kiddos fall behind in school because of truancy, trauma, or behavioral issues in the classroom. Pam

and Rick Lohman, education advocates and supporters of CASA, gifted us with an annual donation of $3500 for 10 years in honor of their 35th wedding anniversary.

The CASA Learning Lab is available to any school aged child in the foster care system.

We partner with schools, teachers, and retired teachers to tutor kids who have fallen behind. So much of a young child’s selfconfidence is determined by their success in the classroom. Every child deserves to feel proud when they can read their site words or get an A on their spelling test.

CASA has recently teamed up with Summit Northwest Ministries for our new Birthday Books program. Over the last three years we have partnered with Bonnie the Book Lady and Usbourne Books for the holiday season. This year, her donation resulted in 350 book packs for foster kids.

We have more books than the library!

From this our concept of Birthday Books emerged. Most foster kids have trauma surrounding special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. We want them to have the freedom to celebrate these milestones by receiving a Birthday Box of Books…sounds like a Dr. Seuss alliteration!

By partnering with Summit Northwest, we were able to secure boxes, age-appropriate personalized birthday cards, wrapping and postage to send a set of books directly to the kid’s doorstep.

Getting a package just for them in the mail is very EXCITING, plus helping them build their personal library year after year is something we at CASA look very forward to. In the words of the famous Dr. Seuss: The more that you read The more things you will know The more that you learn The more places you’ll go.

If you would like to become a donor or a volunteer, please visit our website: www.northidahocasa.org to learn more.

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.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 33

Are you turning 65 or retiring this year, and have questions about Medicare?

Do you see ads on TV and online regarding all the Medicare benefits you can receive? Do you worry that each attempt to grab your attention may not be giving you all the Medicare information you need to make an informed decision?

A

re you turning 65 or retiring this year, and have questions about Medicare? Do you see ads on TV and online regarding all the Medicare benefits you can receive? Do you worry that each attempt to grab your attention may not be giving you all the Medicare information you need to make an informed decision?

Idaho Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is here to help.

What is SHIBA? SHIBA is a service of the Idaho Department of Insurance and is Idaho’s provider of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. This program is offered in every state and territory and helps millions of people with Medicare each year.

SHIBA offers free, unbiased Medicare information for Idahoans. SHIBA is a trusted resource for Medicare information and assistance. Through a network of staff and volunteers, SHIBA has trained and certified Medicare Counselors accessible throughout Idaho. Each year SHIBA counselors help thousands

of Idahoans start, update, and effectively use and understand their Medicare benefits.

SHIBA counselors do not sell or recommend specific companies or plans. They are Medicare experts and utilize tools and resources through Medicare.gov and the Department of Insurance to help beneficiaries identify what is best for their individual needs. SHIBA counselors provide information to beneficiaries on all the Medicare benefits available to them in Idaho and their specific county of residence.

What can SHIBA do for you?

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

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

• The SHIBA Medicare Helpline 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

Let us help you!

Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling

Call SHIBA Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) A service of the Idaho Department of Insurance • Understand your Medicare preventive & wellness benefits • Extra Help & Part D assistance • Individual counseling

Idaho Commission on Aging

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2102IDMISH-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201

1-800-247-4422 SHIBA.idaho.gov 34 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

guide you to online information and resources. (1-800247-4422) • Medicare Counseling Appointments provides beneficiaries with a one-on-one meeting with a Certified Medicare Counselor in person, over the phone, or a webbased 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!

Surgical experience you trust.

Personal care you deserve.

What are key points to remember about Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance. There are different ways to get coverage. There are programs for people with limited income and resources.

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.

Would you like to help others?

Idaho SHIBA is always seeking new volunteers who want to help others in their community. SHIBA volunteer counselors and educators are provided with excellent training, so they are prepared to assist those needing guidance.

As a SHIBA volunteer you’ll gain valuable experience.

You’ll become an expert on Medicare health, hospitalization, prescription, and supplemental insurance. As a volunteer you can help individuals compare their options, solve problems with their insurance, help with understanding medical bills, find resources to reduce medical and prescription costs, and identify and report fraud. The SHIBA program does not sell insurance or recommend companies or policies but provides unbiased information.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Medicare Counselor or would like to learn more, please visit us online at SHIBA.idaho.gov and click on “Get Involved with SHIBA” or call us at 1-800-247-4422.

Written by the Idaho Department of Insurance SHIBA Team

For general, orthopedic, and gynecological surgeries... close to HOME!

Newport Hospital & Health Services

714 W. Pine St., Newport WA (509) 447-2441 NewportHospitalAndHealth.org https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 35

The Burden of Alzheimer’s Falls Mostly to Women

by Michelle Larson, Community Outreach Manager, Alzheimer’s Association

T

he Alzheimer’s Association releases the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report each year, providing an in-depth look at the latest statistics and information on disease prevalence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers across the country and in Idaho. When looking at the data, one thing is clear: the burden of Alzheimer’s falls disproportionately to women.

Over 6 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Of those, nearly two-thirds or 3.6 million are women. A woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is 1 in 5. Surprisingly, women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than they are to develop breast cancer.

Why the disproportionate impact?

For many years, the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s on women was attributed to age: Women live longer than men and age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s — but now, scientists aren’t sure it’s that simple.

Some research suggests that the risk for developing Alzheimer’s could be greater for women due to biological or genetic variations, or even different life experiences, such as education, occupation or rates of heart disease.

One area researchers are exploring is focused on female reproduction. A recent study in California found correlations between reproductive history and risk for dementia. Women were at higher risk for dementia when they: 36 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

• Had their first menstrual period at age 16 or older (31% higher) • Experienced natural menopause before the age of 45 (28% higher) • Had at least one miscarriage; each miscarriage was associated with a 9% increased risk of dementia The same study found that women who have given birth to three or more children had a 12% lower risk of dementia compared to women with one child.

Social factors may also play a part.

For example, a recent study showed that women who participated in the paid workforce earlier in life had better cognitive outcomes after age 60. Another study showed that lower education levels in women born in the first half of the 20th century could account for an elevated risk of dementia.

While more research is needed, these studies support a promising theory: that events across someone’s lifespan may impact their risk of developing dementia.

Findings like these may also lead to risk reduction strategies specifically for women in the future.

Women’s role as dementia caregivers Not only are women more likely to have Alzheimer’s, they are also more likely to be caregivers of loved ones living with dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report, approximately two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women. Not only is it more common for wives to provide informal care for a husband than vice versa, but it also affects multiple

generations, as more than one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters caring for a parent.

Women caregivers may also experience higher levels of depression and impaired health than their male counterparts.

Evidence suggests these differences arise because female caregivers tend to spend more time caregiving, take on more caregiving tasks and continue to provide care for a longer period of time.

For instance, women are two-and-a-half times more likely to live full-time with the person they’re caring for, and of those providing care for five years or more, 63% are women.

What can I do?

While women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, growing evidence indicates that everyone can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle changes. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate brain-healthy habits like: • Getting regular exercise • Eating a diet that is lower in fat and higher in veggies and fruit • Making sure you’re getting enough sleep • Keeping your brain active through socialization with other people or engaging in something challenging or creative.

Whether you’re someone who’s concerned about memory loss, living with Alzheimer’s disease or caring for a loved one with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association in North Idaho has resources available to help. We offer

a variety of care and support services, including a 24/7 helpline (1.800.272.3900), care consultations and support groups. We also offer over a dozen educational programs each month on topics like warning signs, communication strategies and how to manage dementia-related behaviors. Learn more about available resources at alzwa.org/care.

Michelle Larson is the Community Outreach Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association in North Idaho. She has a personal family connection to Alzheimer’s and understands the difficulty a family faces on their journey with a loved one’s diagnosis.

With over 12 years of nonprofit service, Michelle is passionate about serving our local community.

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 Facilitator: Theresa Erbe-Neuberger, LMSW, 208-416-1104

SPOKANE NORTH 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM Facilitator: Paul Dionne 509-290-1816

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!

SPOKANE DOWNTOWN 3rd Tuesdays @1:30 - 3:00 PM Facilitators: Beth Priest Contact: Joel Loiacano 509-321-5481

VIRTUAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP 2nd Tuesdays @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM Facilitators: Alida Gowan 425-223-1165 & Amy Ohlinger 253-209-8316

DEER PARK 2nd Wednesdays @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM Facilitator: Paul J. Dionne 509-290-1816

INDEPENDENT ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

You’re not alone.

We’re here to help.

Meeting In-Person 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM Columbia Bank Building, Sandpoint Tango Café Meeting Room, 414 Church St. Facilitator: Jan Griffitts 208-290-1973

24/7 Helpline

1.800.272.3900 Visit us online at

alzwa.org

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 37

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

MONTANA Montana State VSOs

Scott A. Thorsness, Director 208-446-1092 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM email: scott.thorsness@veterans.idaho.gov Matt Ranstrom 208-446-1092 120 E. Railroad Ave., 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 6635 Lincoln 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 Mac Gibler 208-752-1264 700 Bank St., Suite 120, Wallace M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM email: mgibler@co.shoshone.id.us 38 Wise Guide | 2021/2022 Edition

Carolyn Collins

Ryan Keeler

Bryan T. Zipp

Eric McElhaney

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

Veterans Events & Services Need ANYTHING from the VA? Call 800-698-2411 regardless of what questions or services you are calling for (benefit or medical) there is now a NEW Single Access Point to all VA contact centers.

Sandpoint Veterans’ Jiu Jitsu. If you are a veteran that served in any combat operations and are interested in learning the art of Progressive Jiu-Jitsu, please call to register for our Sandpoint Veteran’s Jiu-Jitsu class at SBA Ponderay. Progressive Jiu-Jitsu is a teaching methodology that bases its studies and practices on Self Defense, GPCI / Verbalization (Progressive Management of Inconvenient Behavior), projections and falls, and in the sports segment of Jiu-Jitsu.

Class Details Monday and Friday 0730-0830 @ SBA Ponderay, 210 Triangle Drive Unit F, Ponderay ID Professor Tanner Weisgram Call Dante Rumore, LICSW at the Spokane Vet Center to register.

(509) 844-1053 A copy of your DD-214 is required for registration

Stand Downs

Important Links: • The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/ • Gulf War Illnesses linked to Southwest Asia service https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-southwest-asia/ • Gulf War Illnesses linked to Afghanistan service https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan/ • Office of Veterans Advocacy Quarterly Bulletin Keeps you up-to-date on what’s going on with the VA that affects the lives of veterans and their families. If you want to know what’s going on, use this link and ask to be put on the E-mailing list. listserv.admin@veterans.idaho.gov • Local Activities for Veterans and their Families (A weekly emailing of fun things to do going on year ‘round within range of us. Helpful and useful resources/activities/offerings you’ll want to know about! Contact eliseo.Dumlao@va.gov and ask to be placed on the E-mail list. https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 39

The VA Community Care Program

by Bryan Hult, Bonner County Veterans Service Officer

O

n June 6, 2019, the VA CHOICE program ended. A new program, called “Community Care” or “Care in the Community” began. There are pros and cons with the new program, but like in the military — we adjust.

A question was recently asked regarding care outside the VA. A veteran cannot go to any civilian provider and have the VA pay for it. The provider must have a contract with the VA. Contracts! Do you know how much small print is in a contract?!?!

On the one hand, not all providers want to deal with the contract, so they will not take veterans referred by the VA. On the other hand, you do have a say in where you go for medical help, but it must be within the VA contracted system. That’s why veterans need to think about their own responsibility in the VA system.

Let’s consider three things regarding the new VA Community Care program. First, you have to have an “Authorization number” from Community Care in order for the VA to pay for care outside the VA. That number will describe the provider, location, time frame and number of visits for the type of care. It doesn’t matter what disability rating you have as a veteran, you must have that number before going to an outside-VA-care-provider.

For most care outside of the VA, you’ll have to get a referral from your PCP (Primary Care Provider). The PCP is the person you are assigned to at the VA Medical Center (like Mannheim Graff in Spokane) or the Coeur D’Alene CBOC (Community Based Outreach Center) or one of the Rural Health Clinics (RHC) in your local neighborhood (if you live by one). In order to use the VA medical program you must be active in the Veteran Health Administration, which means you have received an annual physical in the last two years. However, you may have a PCP outside of the VA, if approved by the Community Care department at the VAMC. There are some issues, like eye-glasses or hearing aids, for which you can call the VA Medical Center Department directly to get an appointment at the VA. For example, you can call the Optometry Department or the Audiology Department and either schedule an appointment at that Department or you may get a referral to a local optometrist or audiologist, depending on distance, availability and the discretion of the VA. By the way, this may seem like it is complicated! Yes, it sure seems that way! The challenge for us, is that the VA tries very hard to listen to veterans and to make changes that will be more effective and efficient for veterans! However, all the changes seem confusing to us veterans, who are no longer 22 and quick to adjust fire! Stay with me and I’ll try to make it as simple as possible!

Make sure you have that Authorization number!

The second consideration is that the wait may not be short.

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When you get a referral from your PCP or the VAMC Department, you’ll have to wait several weeks. Remember the VA is basically socialized medicine. It’s very good, but the VA is there to serve veterans, not to make a profit. Consequently, while the leadership may be very good and their motivations, intentions and services are very good, they are still a government organization that is not perfect. I serve hundreds of veterans and 95% are very satisfied (I made that statistic up from talking to veterans), but there are a few veterans, who fall through the cracks. Once the Community Care Departments get to your referral, they will call and ask you what your preferences are for a provider. Then they go out and find a provider who is in their contracted system and make an appointment for you. It can easily take a couple months from the referral time to the appointment time. Be patient.

Thirdly, make sure that any suggested care by your provider is within the authorization number. The VA is attempting to provide good, convenient and reliable care through the Community Care program. The VA has a contract with the provider, who is supposed to have read the contract. Be aware that the VA doesn’t pay what the normal charges are, like what regular insurance companies pay OR what you would pay the provider if you didn’t have insurance.

In the process of providing excellent care to you, an outsideVA provider may forget that the x-ray or CAT scan or MRI that is recommended and coordinated, may not be in the authorization number. You, following your provider’s recommendation, go and get the x-ray or MRI and then you say, “What? Why didn’t the VA pay for it?”

I’ve had many veterans want to blame the VA or the provider, but the blame is really on the provider and the veteran for not reading the authorization number provisions. Make sure you have that authorization letter – with the number – and read what it will cover. Then go and be confident in the care that you will receive.

Also, be thankful that the provider is receiving less reimbursement from the VA than what he/she normally charges.

Okay, this article is not your most fascinating topic, but it will save you heart burn if some of the above problems cross your path.

You will know that 1) you know and possess your authorization number; 2) you are patient in waiting for the local provider; and 3) you know what is covered within that authorization number.

Finally, call your local Community Care team. For the Spokane VAMC, the Community Care phone number is (509) 484-7969.

Everyone that I’ve spoken with there is usually professional and helpful. I may not be on the VA team, but I’m privileged to work with a great team “serving American veterans, one hero at a time.”

Maybe you won’t need this help navigating the system, but you know of a veteran who does. Pass this information on or have him/ her give me a call at 208-255-5291. I’m glad to help!

Bryan Hult is the Bonner County Veterans Services Officer. He enlisted in the infantry, graduated from Officer Candidate School and Jump School from Fort Benning, Georgia and Flight School from Fort Rucker, Alabama. He then flew helicopters at Fort Hood, Texas. His military education included the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. After seminary, he served at every level of the Army chaplaincy in the Indiana National Guard and retired in 2010 as the Assistant Chief of Chaplains.

Run It By Tamara

Q

From an adult daughter who is curious how I coordinate with other senior care related services – “Do you work with others in the community who can help me with my mom who lives with me?’”

A

by Tamara Jacobson, Compassionate Care Referral Service

Q A

From a grandson concerned about his grandfather’s dementia-driven behaviors – “Is there a place that will accept him with his memory issues and inappropriate sexual comments?”

Unfortunately, dementia can block filters in the brain allowing him to make comments or do things unlike the person you once knew.

Depending on whether his behaviors are limited to talk, or if he has angry outbursts for example, will determine placement options. The protection of other residents is always a first priority at facilities. The good news is some places do specialize in this difficult consequence of dementia. Doctors can help with medication management so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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

Your Only Locally Owned Referral Service

A personal approach to evaluating senior care choices to fit your needs and budget.

NO FEES. NO PRESSURE.

Tamara Jacobson Senior Care Consultant

(208) 660-9982

Absolutely, North Idaho excels at this close knit purpose of doing what’s best for our senior and disabled community. Part of that is working together and knowing who excels at what. Serving on the board of Senior Companions for instance, would lead me to question if Mom was lonely when you are at work and would benefit from a weekly visitor. Is daycare something you are looking for if she cannot be left alone? I know of numerous resources through experience and time spent searching for solutions for families. Home Health and in-home services can also be discussed to make both your lives richer.

Q

From a couple in their 70’s who decided to sell their home and are wondering what a good next step would be – “We really don’t know what’s out there for housing for us. Where do we start?”

A

You are wise to know when to sell and to think ahead intentionally!

Let’s have a conversation regarding goals and any health issues to lead us to some possibilities. We will cover topics like downsizing, transportation needs, social activities, meal prep, proximity to medical offices and hospitals to name a few. An appointment with an Eldercare lawyer is always a good step for financial planning so we know your budget. I look forward to getting to know you and your preferences so together we can start that search.

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.

www.CompassionateCareReferral.com https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 41

Doing Good Feels Good

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

9o

-year-old Margaret, tiny and thin as a twig and perpetually cold, was lying in bed with her patchwork quilt pulled up tight under her chin.

She and Janet, a volunteer ombudsman, had been visiting for a while at a local nursing home when Margaret said, almost in a whisper, “I don’t like to complain, but all my life I’ve taken showers. They give me baths here and I’m afraid I’ll drown in that big bathtub. And when I get out, I’m always so cold.”

Together we can help you find solutions to issues facing aging adults!

208-667-3179 * 800-786-5536 * www.aaani.org 402 W. Canfield Ave, Ste 1, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

• • • • • • • •

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

• • • • •

Funding & support to give you a break when caring for a loved one Caregiver educational programs Fit & Fall information Referrals for Housing, Legal, Transportation & much more Help with Wheelchair ramps, Grab-bar installation & other minor home repairs

PROUDLY SERVING BENEWAH, BONNER, BOUNDARY, KOOTENAI, & SHOSHONE COUNTIES

42 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

Residents of long-term care facilities are often reluctant to complain for fear of being told to leave or of some sort of retaliation. Others don’t want to “make a fuss” and, instead, they just “make do.” But residents have rights, and choice is one of them. Sometimes it takes an ombudsman to give a resident the confidence to speak up.

Janet knew what she could do right then to make Margaret’s life better. As a volunteer ombudsman, she advocates for residents of long-term care, making sure their rights are protected, and they get the care and quality of life they deserve. With Margaret’s permission, Janet talked with the nurse. Margaret’s baths were changed to showers, her towels were warmed, and the changes were recorded in her care plan. Such simple things made Margaret’s life better, happier, and warmer. There are more complicated issues that an ombudsman deals with but, big or small, helping to make life better for the residents, many of whom are vulnerable, just feels good.

COVID put a hole in the volunteer ombudsman program but, hopefully this year, volunteers we don’t know yet will be trained to visit facilities and help solve problems for the residents. Volunteers are the heart of the program.

The Area Agency on Aging has other volunteer opportunities that do good and feel good. All of us are aware there are scammers out there just waiting for the unaware to bite the hook. If you own a computer, have a phone, or get mail, you KNOW dishonest scammers will say almost ANYTHING to get you to buy their product or service, or give them your private information. Scammers are clever, with no boundaries of guilt or shame. To help someone know how to spot a scam and do something about it is super satisfying. Wouldn’t you just love to pull the plug on a scammer?

Did you know that Medicare loses BILLIONS every year to fraud, errors, and abuse? Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a national program that helps protect people from healthcare fraud. And there’s lots of it! Area Agency on Aging oversees the SMP program and offers online training for volunteers to educate individuals and organizations on how to avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud. Official sounding language and forms can be confusing and intimidating. SMP relies on volunteers to inform and talk to people in plain language anyone can understand.

That’s what SMP volunteer, Robert, did. He talked to a church group about how to detect fact from fiction in emails that made bogus inquiries to Medicare recipients. Low and behold, Stan, one of the group members, saved his friend from losing money and divulging information that could be used by the scammer.

Did Stan feel good? You bet! Nancy, another volunteer, helps to set up information displays at local health fairs to inform the public about healthcare fraud. Her big reward is helping people be informed.

There are so many ways to help people. Even before COVID, many seniors were isolated and lonely. And NOW? Loneliness and isolation are pandemics in themselves. As people age and have conditions that keep them at home alone, a friendly chat on the phone can bridge that loneliness gap and brighten someone’s day. Information and Assistance (I&A) at the Area

Agency on Aging has a list of homebound seniors who would LOVE to hear a friendly voice.

A friendly phone call may be all that’s needed to lift someone’s spirits, but isolated people may not be aware of inhome assistance and community services available to them.

During the conversation, the friendly caller may discover the senior needs services to make life easier and can refer them to the Area Agency on Aging where Information and Assistance can put them in touch with the services they need.

The Area Agency on Aging offers several ways for volunteers to offer their time and heart—to be of service and make a difference in the quality of life of others. Whatever the volunteer service, it’s a do-good feel-good thing to do.

“Nothing is as strong as the heart of a volunteer.”

Jimmy Doolittle To volunteer, or learn more about the services of Area of Aging of North Idaho, call 208-667-3179,

Jan Noyes holds a degree in education and has used her teaching skills in public schools, adult education, workshops and seminars for church, civic groups, and corporations. Jan has been an ombudsman with the Area Agency on Aging for 16 years, recruiting and training new ombudsmen, visiting facilities and advocating for their resident rights, quality of care and quality of life.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 43

It’s been quite a journey, and one with a happy ending!

by Bobbi Swan, Administrator, The Lodge Assisted Living

March 1, 2019 was another ordinary day for Mark Young, at the 6-acre car lot where he worked for 28 years. Except this day; he stepped out of his car and fell on black ice. Mark recalls laying on the ground when a co-worker saw him and came over to check on him. Mark told the co-worker he was fine. However, 15 minutes later this co-worker came back to find Mark still down and laying in a pool of blood.

EMS was called and Mark was taken to the hospital. Mark was in a coma for two months and in ICU for five months (156 days as he recalls). That’s how Mark’s two and a half year journey began.

After a few months in a coma, Mark’s mom was told, on a Friday, that come Tuesday she would have some decisions to make. Mark never wanted to be on life support and that Tuesday morning, he 44 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

woke up and was given a second chance.

His journey took him to ten different medical facilities: Cadillac Hospital in Richmond, Harborview Medical Center, North Idaho Rehabilitation, St Joseph’s, St. Lukes twice, and then finally landing at The Lodge Assisted Living in April 2020.

During Mark’s journey, he had part of his skull removed, a shunt put in, had gotten meningitis from laying on the ground for so long and had COVID. While undergoing surgery for the shunt, he experienced atrophy of his left hand, and had to have 8 casts on his hand/arm and botox treatments. When Mark began Physical and Occupational therapies, he wore a helmet and could only stand inside the parallel bars for thirty seconds.

He couldn’t even get out of the wheelchair for 11 months. When Mark arrived at The

Lodge Assisted Living, he was unable to do much on his own, requiring the use of a Hoyer lift and two staff to provide full care.

Although doctors told him he would never walk again, Mark was determined to walk and make it back home. He attended outpatient therapy three times a week from April 2020 until August 2021.

COVID put a wrench into things, but he wasn’t giving up. Therapy was cancelled while he was recovering from COVID, his therapist got COVID and then there was quarantine. Every time he left the facility, then returned, he was back on a 14 day isolation, confined to his room.

He said he had seen enough Netflix and cable to last awhile. But again, Mark was determined to go home and get back to the life he left behind.

Now, two and a half years later, Mark is walking out the door to go back home!

Mark is looking forward to getting back to the basics in life, putting his house back to the way he had it, and doing yard work.

He knows he needs to pace himself but he is excited to be self sufficient again and to see his daughter. She was 15 when Mark’s journey started and has since graduated high school and gone on to college.

Mark is very humble about the accident and the journey he had. Mark’s mom has been his rock through it all, taking care of his finances and being his emotional support. He said he hadn’t spent very much time with her since he was a kid.

In the last few months, he has gotten closer to his mom and enjoyed Karaoke 8 or 9 times at her gated community club house. He has been able to go with her to the Eagles for Bingo, where he has even been a Bingo caller. He said it was a nice way to exercise his brain; being in front of people, calling numbers and multitasking, and playing Bingo too.

While he has become closer to his mom, he has lost contact with many people in his life who were close to him.

No one he knows is at the car lot where he worked, and he said, “There’s only so much you can do on Facebook. It’s like I’ve fallen off the planet!”

He sees pictures taken during his recovery and didn’t realize how bad things were. He says, “It makes you reevaluate everything. Things that used to bug me don’t anymore because they are little things. I’m only going to worry about things that affect me and those around me and not worry about things I can’t control.” Mark has had a chance to reboot his life. It’s as if his life was unplugged for two and a half years and now he is getting to plug it back in.

Marks will tell you that he has met some pretty amazing and incredible people along the way! He says, “In a weird way, it was worth it, because I met people

I wouldn’t have been able to before. I can’t thank everyone enough for everything they have done!” A GoFundMe page was set up in the beginning, his mom’s church prayed for him and he has had a lot of support and help. Mark said, “Dr. Morrell has been great, staff has gone above and beyond, the therapists have been great and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to live than here at The Lodge Assisted Living.” Mark has told several people about The Lodge and says he would recommend it to anyone who needs great care and support. Mark has grown fond of all the staff at The Lodge and says he will be back to visit, as his mom only lives 15 minutes away.

Bobbi Swan is the Administrator at The Lodge Assisted Living. She is an Idaho native and holds a double bachelor’s degree from University of Idaho. Bobbi loves helping others, has donated over 6 gallons of blood, is a 4-H project leader, and a published author. She enjoys fundraising, crocheting, cooking, all kind of crafts, archery and outdoor activities.

Entering our home shouldn’t feel like leaving yours

OFFERING ASSISTED LIVING AND SECURE MEMORY

• Homestyle • On-Site Salon Meals •G ardening • Large Suites Beds • Private • P ersonalized Bathrooms Care

CARE Call us today:

208-457-3403 www.LodgeLiving.net

Locally owned and operated

Three Convenient Communities: • Th e Lodge at Riverside Harbor 1 & 2 52 & 58 N. Cedar Street, Post Falls, ID • Th e Lodge at Fairway Forest 1 & 2 3989 & 3991 N. Player Dr., Coeur d’Alene, ID • Th e Lodge at Bristol Heights 2220, 2230 & 2240 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 45

“HIP HIP HOORAY! I’m going to a Skilled Nursing Facility!!” said no one - EVER!

by Michaelene Frank, Admissions Director, Life Care Center of Post Falls

L

et’s face it, no one wants to spend time in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Knowing that, we take every opportunity to make a stay in one of our facilities as enjoyable and diverse as possible. Just how do we do that? I’m glad you asked. Here are just a few of the ways we make your stay with us more bearable: Keeping you connected to Family & Friends. Regulations are constantly changing during this seemingly unending pandemic. We do everything possible within the regulations to ensure family and friends can visit often and for extended periods of time. When in-person visits are not possible for whatever reason, we provide the technology for video visits.

Music soothes and refreshes….

Especially LIVE music. We bring singing groups and musicians in on a regular basis — always a fan favorite. We also have a piano available for you or your guests to use to make your own music. Additionally, we have fun music playing in our common areas throughout the day.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Although space can be limited, we encourage family to bring in pictures.

Homemade drawings are especially nice.

There’s no need to spend your days in an antiseptic room when you can be surrounded by reminders of the people who love and miss you.

46 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition

Dog is Man’s Best Friend You Say? Well, we hate to have you separated from your best friend. Your Pooch Pal is welcome to visit (with a human in tow). We just ask that documentation of current vaccinations be provided at the time of his/her first visit.

Breaking Bread Together is a Time Honored Tradition. Whether it’s lunch in our dining room with a group, a quiet meal in your room or heading out to a local restaurant with family and friends, we want you to have and enjoy options.

Oh the Air We Breathe. We all need fresh air sometimes. Our facilities have courtyards designed to help you not only breathe some fresh air, but also take in some glorious sunshine (when Mother Nature cooperates). You can even get some gardening in if that’s your thing.

The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round. Sometimes a total change in scenery is just what the Doctor ordered. Our Activity Director loves to take the bus and just GO. Our community has so much to see. Why not go for a ride to see for yourself?

Look Good, Feel Good. Let’s face it, a fresh hair cut can make the world of difference in how we face the day. We offer services from a licensed beautician to help you Look Good & Feel Good.

A Good Book is an Adventure. Like to lose yourself in the storyline of a good book?

We have an extensive library with a wide variety of genres to choose from. Curl up right there in the library, adjourn to your room or hide out in one of our cozy common areas and enjoy the adventure.

Popcorn & a Movie Please. Yes, we even have Movie “nights” complete with fresh popped popcorn!!

Okay, so having to spend time in a Skilled Nursing Facility still may not be on the top of your wish list but as you can see, it CAN be more bearable than you may have thought.

It’s not all fun and games. You come to a facility like ours to heal with the goal of going back home. That means therapy, medication management and general nursing care. But if you can do the work AND have an enjoyable stay … isn’t that a Win Win? Michaelene Frank, as resident of North Idaho for 20 years, has been the Admission Director for two years with Life Care Center of Post Falls. Previously she worked in Admissions at the Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene. Michaelene managed a local Home Care Agency for the six years previous to joining Life Care and prior to that she provided direct care to residents of a local Assisted Living Facility.

https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 47

Choose a Nationally Recognized Hospital – It Matters!

When choosing healthcare, quality matters.

Our two hospitals are nationally recognized for their patient care, meaning that we bring the highest level of care available in the nation right to our own community.

We offer two distinct specialties:

Rehabilitative Care

Long-Term Acute Care

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest is ranked in the U.S. in the Top 10% for patient care. And we’ve earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

Northern Idaho Advanced Care hospital is the first hospital in Idaho to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Respiratory Failure. We also are among 700 nationwide – or 15% – recognized for our respiratory care services.

We treat patients recovering from: • Strokes • Brain injuries • Spinal cord injuries • Orthopedic injuries • And more….

We treat patients recovering from serious illnesses or injuries, such as: • Trauma • Acute respiratory failure • Wound healing • Infectious diseases • Cardiovascular disease

Where you receive care matters.

RHN.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

NIACH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

3372 East Jenalan Ave • Post Falls ID 83854 • 208.262.8700

600 North Cecil • Post Falls, Idaho 83854 • 208.262.2800

48 Wise Guide | 2022/2023 Edition Follow

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