The Good Life - January 2021

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2021 |

The good

life

JANUARY 24, 2021

WWW.WCFCOURIER.COM/BOOKSHELF

Dream about travels now.

Travel the dream later PAGE 2

Reasons to choose a one-bedroom apartment

Financial exploitation a risk as pandemic isolates

Outpatient therapy makes a difference for retiree

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| WINTER 2021

THE GOOD LIFE

DREAM ABOUT TRAVELS NOW

A sunset over the sea Moray Firth, Scotland.

VISITBRITAIN VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

KATHY WITT

Tribune News Service

W

anderlusters and road trippers may not be ready or able to travel yet, but they can still dream about it and plan for it, even enjoy a sampling of their longed-for destination while waiting. Regional books, magical accoutrements and other items and experiences can help keep the dream alive until the time is right to go.

Wilderness wonderland

In a year when fresh air and wide-open spaces are what travelers are craving, the Adirondacks in upstate New York is the answer to that call of the wild. At its heart is the largest state park in the continental United States, the 6 million-acre Adirondack Park.

A protected and pristine, sometimes mysterious and always natural playground, it offers hiking, paddling, fishing, biking, birding, wildlife viewing, ski-

ing and other outdoor activities set amid dozens of mountain peaks, miles of trails and thousands of lakes and ponds. Not to mention spectacular waterfalls that keep the oohs and ahs coming, from roadside dips and cascades to the Grand Flume at the vertical-walled wonder known as the Ausable Chasm – the oldest natural attraction in the country.

Between planning a trip and arriving in-destination, Adirondack-bound travelers can experience the flavor of the region. Adirondack-inspired apparel

A view of the Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

TRAVEL THE DREAM LATER

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THE GOOD LIFE

Why choose a one-bedroom apartment?

KERRY DOBRUSIN

Director of Sales and Marketing Friendship Village‌

I know. You probably said ‌ you would never live in a onebedroom apartment. But COULD you, if you CHOOSE to? While there are pros and cons to any apartment home size, I want to help you explore the advantages of choosing a one-bedroom apartment in a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

This article may just burst the downsizing myths holding you back and help redefine how you live your life in the process.

Your new, one-bedroom apartment home: 1. Is the perfect size for singles or couples Some people dismiss the idea of living in a one-bedroom apartment because it may look and feel “tiny” compared to their current home. Think about how

much of your current home you actually use regularly? If you’re like most retirees, you live your life in the kitchen, living room and one bedroom. The second or third bedroom, a dining room, the basement or a den served you well raising your family, but now those areas simply accumulate more “stuff.” One-bedroom apartments dedicate their square footage to the areas people use most.

TIP No. 1. Look for high ceilings to make them feel even more spacious!

CCRCs understand the need for space. Many provide guest rooms right in the same building, or you might consider a quality pullout sofa bed for frequent guests. (Hotel rooms are often near-by, too.) Find CCRCs that have plenty of personal storage and common areas designed for family gatherings, crafting,

woodworking, gardening and other activities.

2. Costs less. Choosing a one-bedroom is also a financially smart decision. The initial buy-in (entrance fee) for a smaller apartment can cost tens of thousands less than a larger unit initially, and hundreds less monthly. The long-term savings can be significant.

TIP No. 2. Use the money you save for dream vacations, favorite charities, pampering yourself at the spa, or financing the education of grandkids!

3. Gives the gift of time and peace of mind Living in a CCRC frees you from home maintenance obligations. Your monthly fee generally covers maintenance (including emergency repairs or appliance replacement), meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, snow removal, landscaping, in-

surance, and in some cases, even your property taxes!

TIP No. 3. A LifeCare CCRC has the added benefit of a predictable monthly fee, so you don’t have to fear the future no matter what level of care you need or how high future health care costs rise.

4. Expands and enriches your life Many CCRC residents readily share how little time they actually spend in their apartments, no matter what square footage they have. Even on the coldest winter day or in a world dominated by a pandemic, residents can find ample time and opportunity to engage in a lifestyle that enables them to age successfully. Socialization and fellowship occur safely during both planned and spontaneous gatherings.

TIP No. 4. Continuation of exercise, game-night, and dining

Explore Active Retirement Living at Village Terrace!

Opens Summer of 2021.

Great views. New, stylish & spacious.

Open concept floor plans.

Ask abou Modern appliances. t 2 Gifts Quartz countertops. for Quick R esponse Balconies or patio seating. !

Pet friendly. 11-ft ceilings.

Utilities, cable, and housekeeping included.

routines help battle the “cabin fever” that often accompanies a quarantine-like lifestyle.

5. Is all about choice Taking advantage of downsizing from a lifetime of accumulation gives you a say in the matter now. Think of this as a good opportunity to de-clutter, taking only what you need, and blessing others with what you haven’t used in years.

TIP No. 5. YOU are in control when you downsize now.

As you consider one-bedroom apartment living in a CCRC, more questions will come up.

Nobody can answer them better than your future neighbors, so talk with a few about what it’s like to live there. I’m confident you’ll discover why a one-bedroom apartment home is just the right size for you. After all, saying NO to a larger apartment means saying YES to a bigger life!

20

ONLY 1-bedroom apartments remaining Ask About Apartments at Landmark Commons and Rosewood Estate, too.

600 Park Lane, Waterloo, IA

Call 319-486-1680 or go to www.FriendshipVillageIowa.com/my1bedroom to begin!

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| WINTER 2021

THE GOOD LIFE

Cashmere, castles, whisky and wonder: Moray and Speyside deliver a classic Scotland experience.

Duffus Castle near Elgin was a motte and bailey castle and was in use from c.1140 to 1705. During its occupation it underwent many alterations. The most fundamental was the destruction of the original wooden structure and its replacement with one of stone.

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and made-in-the-Adirondack crafts, local pottery and photography, handcrafted art and jewelry, chocolates and cheeses and tree syrups and more can be ordered from independently owned Adirondack shops and artisans.

Have edible Adirondacks delivered to your door with A Taste of the Adirondacks Gift Box from Saranac Lake’s Village Mercantile. It is full of North Country delicacies, including everything maple: chaga tea, syrup, sugar nuggets – even dog biscuits. Savor a feast for the eyes with The Adirondacks: Season by Season,

a beautiful coffee table book by hiker and photographer Carl Heilman and available through Lake Placid’s Bookstore Plus.

Dream about travels now by ordering Adirondack goodies here: www.adirondacksusa.com/online-shopping. Travel the dream later with information and trip planning resources at www.adirondacksusa.com.

Classic Scotland

Fancy a Celtic getaway? Set your sights on Moray

and Speyside for a quintessential Scotland experience. The coastal community along Moray Firth on the North Sea is home to Johnstons of Elgin, the 223-year-old mill that produces that most iconic of Scottish fashions, the classic tartan, in luxurious cashmere and wool. Free mill tours demonstrate the process from natural fiber to finished apparel.

This region is also whisky heaven: More than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries are situated in the Speyside area, including such famous names as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Glen Moray, which produces a

LEFT: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida tops the list of dream trips — for kids and adults alike.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

From the entrance to Hogsmeade, with the Hogwarts Express billowing steam and whistling its arrival, through each shop and attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a fully immersive theme park experience and the only place in the world that brings the magic of Harry Potter to life.

Guests can celebrate during The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.

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THE GOOD LIFE

Modern Farmhouse Bring rustic to life, for less.

Shop more Modern Farmhouse at Slumberland.com

Slumberland Furniture at College Square in Cedar Falls 6607 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 235-0155 Hours: M-F 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm slumberland.com

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THE GOOD LIFE

Adirondack Park is the largest state park in the continental United States.

ADIRONDACK PARK VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌

single malt Scotch whisky available in the U.S. Bordering the Moray Firth, Banffshire alone has 29 distilleries, including Ballindalloch Single Malt Distillery. Over 40 distilleries beckon connoisseurs of the spirit to follow the Malt Whisky Trail, including the historic Dallas Dhu. Now a museum, it offers audio-guided tours about the history of Scotch malt whisky. Also on the trail: Speyside Cooperage – the only place in the UK to experience the ancient art of coopering.

Of course, castles and castle ruins come to mind when thinking about Scotland and several are here, including Ballindalloch Castle, a private castle that is primarily a family residence, the 13th century ruined

Balvenie Castle and the ruins of Duffus Castle – a fun spot for enjoying a picnic on the grounds.

Dream about travels now by bringing home classic Scotland (www.johnstonsofelgin.com) or scents inspired by the Scottish Highlands – like wild mountain thyme – from Island of Skye Candle Co. (www. skyecandles.co.uk). Travel the dream later with information and trip planning resources at www.visitscotland.com and www.morayspeyside.com.

Apparate? Disapparate?

No matter how or when you plan to arrive, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida is magical for Muggles of all

ages. The HP books and movies are a perfect way to stay immersed in Potter-land, but studying the Marauder’s Map and practicing spells and perfecting wand techniques also keeps everyone engaged.

While dreaming about exchanging Muggle money for Gringotts bank notes at Diagon Alley and taking the “Forbidden Journey” inside Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade – and riding the Hogwarts Express between the two – plan a savor strategy. You’ll want to sample butterbeer, munch chocolate frogs at Honeydukes and dine on British culinary fave toad in the hole at the Leaky Caldron. (Of course, it may be best to wait until after riding the new immersive coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure,

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THE GOOD LIFE

EXPERIENCE

Take a culinary class now and then take an amazing trip later. Esperienza is ready to show visitors the rural side of Italy.

ESPERIENZA VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FINDING A HOUSE AND A HOME.

into the Forbidden Forest.)

Dream about travels now by ordering character costumes and collectibles here: https:// shop.universalorlando.com/shop/harry-potter/collectibles. Travel the dream later with information and trip planning resources at www.universalorlando.com and www.visitorlando.com.

Steve Knapp Broker

Winter culinary immersion

For travelers who’ve had to put their trip to Italy on hold, Esperienza has come through with cooking classes to bring the flavors of Italy right to your stovetop. Working with world-renowned Casa Artusi Cookery School in Forlimpopoli, Italy – the premier center of gastronomic culture devoted entirely to Italian home cooking – the nonprofit tour company is hosting Cooking with the Seasons via Zoom.

The winter edition focuses on “homecooked foods that help us feel cozy and contented” and features four one-hour lessons.

Each lesson includes recipes, chefs’ cooking tips and wine recommendations, plus some of the history, health and science involved with the dishes and ingredients. A link to a video of the lesson is made available for one week at course conclusion for reference and review.

Esperienza curates trips to and experiences from this region and promotes the revitalization of rural Italian villages. In addition to the ongoing cooking series, it also offers online language and cultural immersion programs.

Dream about travels now by registering for Casa Artusi: Cooking with the Seasons at www.esperienza.org. The program is $100. The preeminent cookbook, “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” first published in 1891 and considered the most significant Italian cookbook of modern

Steve.Knapp@ymail.com

times, is available at Amazon. Classes take place on Thursdays, Jan. 21 and 29 and Feb. 4 and 11.

Travel the dream later with information and trip planning resources at www.esperienza.org. (Esperienza also offers gift cards, which can be used for experiences, including cooking classes, cultural immersion sessions and future trips.)

Author and travel and lifestyle writer Kathy Witt feels you should never get to the end of your bucket list; there’s just too much to see and do in the world. Contact her at KathyWitt24@gmail. com, @KathyWitt, www.kathywitt.com.

Steve, a lifelong resident, has been a real estate broker since 1973. He uses his expertise to assist clients in real estate transactions in homes,commercial, and investment properties. Steve is a broker of Lockard Realty and is consistently a leading buyer and seller agent. He has served on several local boards of directors over the past 30 years, and as a Waterloo-Cedar Falls Board of Realtors officer and director.

Contact Steve today to help with your Real Estate needs.

999 Home Plaza, 2nd Floor, Waterloo, IA 50701

(319) 493-4000

8 | WINTER 2021 cerned about the level of fraud.

The FBI said in a statement that J.D. Frazier, a statefraud in general has increased, registered driven in part by COVID-19 redecision-making lated schemes, and that elder guide, says that elders’ fraud was an FBI priority. experience with the It’s nearly impossible to get pandemic creates a numbers that tell the true story, “perfect storm” for risk for however. exploitation. In his practice “About 1 in 23 cases are rehe’s seen an increasing ported,” said David Blake, a fidanger of elder financial nancial forensic specialist with abuse due to the pandemic. the Georgia Department of HuAs a quadriplegic, Frazier man Services, in a November uses special apparatuses webinar on the subject. “It’s to communicate and do his like an iceberg.” work.

About 90% of perpetrators of elder abuse, neglect or fraud are adult children or spouses, and BEN GRAY, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌ often caretakers, Blake said.

The acts can range from unduly pressuring an elder person to give money, or asking at all when the person has lost their cognitive ability; to outright fraud or identity theft.

Blake added: “It becomes worse in the pandemic.”

The elderly can also be at risk from other caregivers and from strangers.

In Georgia, a caseworker with the state’s Adult Protective Services was arrested in September on suspicion of stealing money from a Toccoa man he was supposed to be protecting.

The Federal Trade Commission has warned that social isolation of the coronavirus lends itself to successful scams. As ARIEL HART seniors isolate, scammers are exploitation.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution‌ “The pandemic, it’s a perfect offering help in running errands TLANTA — The storm,” Frazier said. or performing tasks, like landsigns of trouble are Elder financial exploitation scaping, but taking off with the clear to J.D. Frazier ballooned following the 2008 money. Older people are also as he works to help a housing bust: everything from targeted with telephone scams, woman sliding into dementia. scam calls and con jobs to the told a loved ones needs money The state-registered deci- most common type of all, fam- immediately to pay a hospital sion-making guide is helping ily financial exploitation. And bill, get home from a foreign her contact experts to arrange exploitation and fraud are likely country, or pay off a debt. and protect her assets. But she ballooning now, experts say.

“My in-laws just received is easily swayed, and family “Imagine 22 million people a call, claiming my daughter members who lost income in lost their jobs in the last nine was in jail for a car accident & the pandemic are on her door- months and 10 million have not wanted $16,000,” one reader step. She agreed with them to regained their job,” said Kris- posted on the commission cancel her appointment with a ten Lewis, an attorney in spe- website. “She sounded like my lawyer. cial needs estate planning who daughter.”

Now Frazier is having trouble helps her clients try to protect Frazier, who is a quadriplereaching her. their assets. “People do desper- gic, is registered as a “neutral” It’s an additional toll among ate things.” with the Georgia Office of Disolder people during the panThe U.S. Department of pute Resolution. He has seen in demic: Their diminished social Health and Human Services’ his work how the psychological contacts make it less likely that Office of the Inspector General stress of the pandemic plays a others would notice problems said it has seen a spike in elder double whammy on older peothat could put them at risk of harm and neglect and is con- ple who are vulnerable.

Financial exploitation

a menace

as pandemic

isolates elders

THE GOOD LIFE

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF FINANCIAL ABUSE New “person of trust”

isolates the victim.

Change in status: used to

save every penny, now withdrawing money every week.

They appoint someone new to handle their affairs.

Missing jewelry.

Quick deeds, of family property or businesses.

First, he said, it isolates them from regular contact with people who might raise red flags, like church friends. Second, the isolation can become a stress of its own, possibly muddling a person’s decision-making abilities when someone comes asking for money, while also making people yearn for connection.

“And they don’t know how to deal with it, and in many times they can’t, they’ve lost cognitive ability,” he said.

For some families, he

stressed, the helping hand of a relative can work out well.

For troubled ones, though, it can lead to draining the the life savings of someone who has nothing else to live on.

Lewis, the attorney, said that of the cases she knows, they’re reported so late in the game that “maybe 15% of the time” was there anything left to recover for the elder person.

“One important way to minimize the risk of this happening is knowing common characteristics of perpetrators,” she said.

“And having a substance abuse problem is way up on the list.

Because people need something to feed their habit.”

And “during a pandemic,” Lewis added, “people turn to booze or pot for their stress.”

When the story of fraud and abuse in the pandemic is finally known, “I think it will be easier for the perpetrators to get away with it,” Lewis said. “And the dollar amounts will probably be higher.”

As for Frazier, he is trying to figure out if there’s a way to ensure his client’s best interests still get served. “The bad news is, this stuff happens,” he said.

“We usually get to people after the damage is done.”

‌A

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WINTER 2021 | 9

THE GOOD LIFE

COVID-19 canceled your cruise

Here’s how you can use that money for a future vacation PEDRO PORTAL, MIAMI HERALD VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌

This March 2020 file photo shows cruise ships lined up along Port Miami of Miami, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, after cruises were canceled due to the pandemic.

‌M

MICHELLE MARCHANTE

Miami Herald‌

IAMI — Will you be able to enjoy a margarita on a cruise?

It looks unlikely.

Many cruise companies, including Florida-based Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Disney Cruise Line, have continued to cancel trips as they work toward the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 40-page conditional sail order. The order requires the companies to meet certain COVID-19 safety benchmarks — including testing for all passengers and crew on embarkation and disembarkation days — before they can set sail.

The CDC also has a Level 4 travel warning in place for cruises — its highest level.

Passengers who have had trips canceled or postponed during the pandemic by their cruise line can typically request a refund or receive cruise credits for a future trip. The credits don’t last forever and some of the deadlines to use them or to request a refund are coming up.

Some cruise lines have also loosened their cancellation and refund policies, an incentive

for customers who worry they might lose their money if they get sick and are unable to travel.

It can also be a safety net for customers who change their minds about traveling during the pandemic.

The bad news is that refunds might take forever. Some customers are still waiting to get their money back eight months after all cruises were canceled, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Another thing to keep in mind: These relaxed policies might not apply for airfare, even if flights were booked through the cruise line.

If the cruise line suspended your trip, you should receive an email with your options, instructions and what the deadlines are. If you’ve lost the email, give them a call or check online.

Many cruise lines are posting updates online about suspended trips with credit and refund information.

While policies may vary, here’s what to expect if you booked a cruise with Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Disney Cruise Line: Please see CRUISE, Page 10

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Cruise From Page 9

Q: My cruise was canceled.

When is the last day I can request a cruise credit or a refund?

Many cruise lines are automatically issuing future cruise credits you can use to book your next trip with them.

Some are also throwing in bonuses to sweeten the deal.

If cruising after COVID-19 doesn’t sound appealing, you’ll need to request a refund, and that’s when deadlines kick in.

A notable exception for most, if not all, cruise lines: If you haven’t paid in full yet, you won’t be offered a future cruise credit and will get a refund instead.

Here’s an example of what to expect if you’ve paid in full. Keep in mind that deadlines may differ depending on when your cruise was set to sail, so always double-check with your cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line: May 31, 2021, is the last day to request a cruise credit or a full refund for select cruises canceled in 2021 and 2022. If you do not make a selection, the company says it will give you a cruise credit equal to the amount of cancellation fees on your original booking.

Check your cruise: https://www. carnival.com/request-forms/cancellation-preference-v2?icid=advisory_ canceledcruises_10232020 For Carnival-owned Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, cruise credits will be given automatically for select cruises canceled in 2021 but if you want a refund, you will need to fill out an online form by Dec. 31, 2020. For Princess Cruises, visit https://www.princess.com/pcl/ and for Holland America Line visit https:// book2.hollandamerica.com/cp/ Royal Caribbean International: Cruise credits will be available automatically; if you want a refund, you will need to fill out an online form and deadlines vary. For sail dates starting May 12 through December 31, 2020, you have until Dec. 31, 2020, to request a refund.

The same deadline applies for some Quantum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas cruises set to sail in 2021.

THE GOOD LIFE

For sail dates between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2021, refund deadline is March 31, 2021, and for select cruises, including those whose sail date was on or before April 10, 2020, deadline is Dec. 31, 2021.

Check your cruise: https://www. royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/ can-i-change-my-refund-optionto-future-cruise-credit For Royal Caribbean-owned Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea, cruise credits will be given automatically. For refunds, your deadline was Dec. 31, 2020.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara are also offering a third option, “Lift and Shift,” which gives you the flexibility to move your existing booking to a 2021 sailing, with price protection if it meets select criteria.

Contact your travel adviser or call the cruise line.

To check Celebrity Cruises, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/ travel-alert/voluntary-suspension-of-cruising. For Azamara, check https://www.azamara.com/cruising-suspension and for Silversea, visit https://www.silversea.com/information-on-itinerary-changes.html Norwegian Cruise Line: Anyone who had their cruise suspended through March 2021 should have received a refund in their original form of payment

by Jan. 7, 2021, according to a Dec. 2 update by the company.

For Norwegian-owned Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the cruise lines say cruise credits will be given automatically. For refunds, you needed to contact the cruise line no later than close of business on December 16, 2020. The same deadline applies for Regent Seven Seas Cruises that were canceled on Dec. 2, 2020.

Check your Oceania Cruises: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/ coronavirus-statement Check your Regent Seven Seas Cruises: https://www.rssc.com/request-refund/ Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy: If your Disney cruise was canceled, you can opt for a future cruise credit or refund.

You have until May 31, 2022, to decide which one you want, a Disney spokeswoman said.

To check your cruise: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/

Q: Does my cruise credit expire? When is the last day I can use it?

Cruise credits expire, though the deadlines will vary and may differ depending on when your cruise was originally set to sail. So always check with your company or travel agent. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, recently extended its deadline to book a cruise using its future cruise credit from Dec. 31, 2020, to May 31, 2021.

But if your booked trip was with Carnival-owned Princess Cruises, many of its cruise credits expire on May 1, 2022, and must be used for a cruise that sets sail by that date.

Norwegian Cruise Line credits will be valid for a year (starting from its issued date) and must be used for a cruise departing on or before Dec. 31, 2022. For Royal Caribbean International, the deadline is either Dec. 31, 2021, or April 30, 2022, depending on your cruise’s original sail date.

Silversea future cruise credits are good for two years from the issue date.

And if it’s a Disney cruise, you’re looking at a May 31, 2022, deadline.

What if you use a future cruise credit to book a cruise that later gets canceled? You’ll likely get a new future cruise credit.

Q: I asked for a cruise credit but I’ve changed my mind.

Can I get a refund instead or vice versa?

If you change your mind on a cruise credit, it depends on the cruise line’s policy. Celebrity Cruises, for example, will allow you to switch from a cruise credit to a refund as long as you do it before the deadline. You can also switch from a refund to a cruise credit if the refund hasn’t been processed yet.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises on the other hand says your selection is final.

So if you opted for the future cruise credit originally and then had a change of heart, you’re out of luck.

If you’re not sure cruising is in your future, check your policy to see if the cruise credits can be transferred to someone else. While some cruise lines like Princess Cruises won’t let you share credits with someone else, others like Norwegian Cruise Line and Silversea will let you transfer credits to families and friends.

Q: I booked a flight through the cruise line. I also booked a package and bought insurance.

Will it be refunded if the cruise is canceled?

If you booked flights separately from the cruise, contact your airline or travel agent to see what options are available. What if you booked it directly through the cruise line? It depends.

Flights purchased through Disney Cruise Line will be refunded, for example, if the company cancels your cruise, a spokeswoman said. But if the cruise is still set to sail and you no longer want to go, you’ll likely get stuck paying some flight cancellation fees.

If you purchased a nonrefundable flight, that’s when it can get a bit complicated.

Royal Caribbean International, for example, says it will automatically refund flights and hotel reservations bought through them if the cruise was canceled.

However, if you booked a nonrefundable flight, you’ll have to contact the service provider directly to see what your options are. Yes, even if the flight was purchased through the cruise line.

Some cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, say they will also refund taxes, fees, port expenses, prepurchased shore excursions, packages or other special service items if the company had to cancel your cruise, whether you chose a cruise credit or a refund.

Other cruise lines like Norwegian will add the taxes, hotel packages, prepaid service charges, travel protection plans and shore excursions to the future cruise credit instead of giving you a refund.

Q: My cruise isn’t canceled but I’ve changed my mind or fell ill with COVID. Can I get a full refund?

If you haven’t realized it by now, you should be reading your cruise line’s cancellation and refund policy before booking any trip, and maybe even get a travel protection plan, especially in the time of COVID-19. If you’ve recently booked a trip and are now regretting it, check your policy immediately to see what your options are.

The earlier you cancel your trip, the better it usually is for refund purposes. While many cruise lines have changed their policies during the pandemic, there still might be a lot of “if, and or but” in the fine print.

While some might give a full or partial refund, others might give a future cruise credit instead.

WINTER 2021 | 11

THE GOOD LIFE

Outpatient therapy makes difference for young retiree Western Home Communities therapy available to anyone in Cedar Valley

tion during the pandemic is a key factor in overall decline, leading to increased risk for falls and the need for additional assistance.

“We follow the motto, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Gibbs explains. “We want people to return to their prior active life-

LINDA BOWMAN

Chief Communications Officer Western Home Communities ‌

‌CEDAR FALLS — Kim Salmon enters the therapy space at Jorgensen Plaza and sets her walking poles aside to show physical therapist Danialle Draeger what she can do without them. Kim appears energetic and confident as she moves into The Grosse Wellness Center and walks a few laps around the track with Danialle by her side, analyzing Kim’s steps.

“If it wasn’t for this therapy department, I don’t know where I’d be with walking,” Kim says. “They really are so good. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for therapy.”

Kim’s been working with the Western Home Communities therapy team three times a week since September for both physical and occupational therapy.

She feels safe doing so, even in the midst of a pandemic; appointments are spaced to allow for plenty of social distancing, therapists wear full personal protective equipment and disinfection occurs regularly.

Kim finds the therapy team to be sincere and knowledgeable, as well as motivating.

“Every one of the therapists has been awesome,” according to Kim. “My neighbors even tell me I’m walking much better!”

A little encouragement goes a long way for Kim. It’s been a hard journey since her health problems started suddenly in June 2020.

Kim, who golfed, exercised and walked her dog daily before dawn, found herself shaky, dizzy and unsteady to the point of falling. The longtime Director of Resident Relations at Western Home Communities decided to retire early and focus on improv-

WHC PHOTO‌

Kim can complete several laps around the track now, a great improvement from last summer.

styles when this pandemic ends.

Being proactive about therapy treatment now can help make that possible.”

Call 319-859-9343 to find out how outpatient therapy at Western Home Communities can help you live the good life.

With over 25 different styles to choose from McGowans has the areas largest selection of power lift chairs

WHC PHOTO‌

Danialle makes sure Kim’s spine, hips and legs are in alignment.

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Danialle prescribes an exercise after noticing Kim’s legs tend to want to fall together at the knees. ing her health.

It took an early September trip to the ER in Iowa City and a week in the hospital to finally get a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis,

a chronic disease of the central nervous system that can cause inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve. It can’t be cured, but can go into remission.

Kim gets a monthly infusion treatment in Iowa City and is learning to take it one day at a time, although she’d prefer to be the one who is helping others, not being helped.

“Residents of Western Home Communities have been awesome, sending cards and text messages that really encourage me,” Kim says. “They’re an extension of my family.”

Kim credits the outpatient therapy department for helping her set goals and reach them.

Director of Therapy Stacy Gibbs says the department works with each client individually to create a plan of action that is personalized to someone’s unique condition and challenges.

Therapists have found isola-

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Hours: Mon. & Thurs. 9:30-8:00; Tues., Wed., Fri. 9:30-5:30 Sat. 9:30-5:00 • Sun. 12:00-4:00

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THE GOOD LIFE

Get back to

the good life

with outpatient therapy at Western Home Communities.

Signs that therapy might benefit you include:

• Falling • New or chronic pain • Needing increased assistance with activities of daily life • Forgetfulness • New use of a cane, walker or wheelchair • Incontinence • Weight loss • Recent illness or hospitalization

Call 319-859-9343 to schedule an appointment!

Ask about our specialized program for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Our therapists can help you obtain a referral for your treatment if needed. WesternHomeCommunities.org/therapy