Connecticut Prime Time - January 2015

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january 2015

WinninG WorKS

The art of Experience

STAYING SHArP

Alzheimer’s Resource Center director Stephani Shivers

Alzheimer’s center protects memories

Photographer judith Humphrey shows off her work.

6 | Monday, October 13, 2014

PRIME TIME

New Britain Herald | NewBritainHerald.c

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Home sweet home – Protecting your grea test investment

For most Americans, the pur- What is the interest rate on your by your chase of a home is the greatest old policy. Homeowner’s dramatical mortgage? Is it possible that it ly delay the payment Finally, make sure you know insurance policies often do not investment they will make. With of the claim by may rise in the future? the weather turning colder, many cover expensive jewelry rious documenta requesting labo- how your home is titled and the While reverse mortgag- SENIOR tion. Avoid this tax basis of your home. people have been reminded of or other personal items situation Homes es may be appropriate in by fighting mold early can be titled the importance of insuring their SIGNALS in tenancy by the that may merit individual and often. some situations, they can entirety, joint homes and protecting them from policies.

Ask the local fire department of survivorshi tenancy with right be complicated transacnature. p, fee simple, or tenThird, always read your to conduct tions and should not be a fire safety inspection ancy in common.

There are many other issues, used policy thoroughly before of your home every few years. without legal advice. tolPress.com Additionally, wheneverBris however, that people should concalling the insurance Finding tol Press | Bris The you Second, review your and fixing potential fire improve or sider when getting their house renovate your home, company after suffering a hazards insurance policies frecould save not just your be sure to keep in order. Many challenges that all loss. Be especially aggres- life, but quently. If a home is not it could also prevent your this will increases receipts, because arise from home ownership are sive if you see any kind insurance your tax basis in properly insured, damage company from claiming the home in easily preventable, but diligence is case you sell it during 27, 2014 of mold in your home. that may not be covered your own negligence caused your lifetime. day, October after 6 | Mon necessary.

Some kinds of mold are a fire. a loss. Even when prop- Daniel O. First and foremost, understand er covered by homeowner’s Also be aware that if you call Attorney coverage is in place, Tully Daniel your mortgage. After the foreO. insurance Tully is a partner and others are the insurance company some acts of nature may withum, closure crisis hit a few years ago, not. Because there are question . He train ed at Fort Sloc a in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, not be covered by a polgn 1939about coverage forforei minor ed the many people learned this lesso many edifferent enlisted in the Hawaii, P.C., members of the National Academy he enter kinds , andcompany icy. If you live in a flood zone, N.Y.the to flag of Elder Law Attorneys Departur when 21, 1941. damage, of gwater le enroutemay this damage son the hard way. Mortgages are Inc., with Mar.floods, your file, (rain, ce. Whi at mpanyin serviand then you shouldThe latera died if youill do U.S. Army on pictuare acco andfile have claim ications floodres tidal offices )erosion, at mun 120 taken Laurel either open or closed. An open (L-R com St., Bristol, groundwat a was pital (860) he me er, frozen captu Hos h more serious insurance policy.week He beca General in ’s colum damage m C, 169tfor If you haven built the , 583-1341. If you have a questions Mrs. sewage, mortgage can be paid off at any the Letterma ant in Com etc.)pany Gurske andpipes, insurSept. 9, 1939 on the a free-standing addition er, sergeseptic, or Fran two,cisco Mrs. Friedato then Division. He next year your 43rd dispute ancemoth wife and ne add for attorney Tully, send it to him at time; a closed mortgage cannot. companies anyocomoften rgia, in San Infantry, a Turner, the cemen who ing,aGeopany home, then it may Viol consider age of 18. youCan a high not be insured at the riskes? Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., 120 Laurel at Fort Benn in Florida. may servi claim two hero trained mold, these or on at least respectively, of ary service ininvolving ding on and dropinfor Blan maticoverage. your St., Bristol, CT. 06010. and at Camp ce in the Pacific . died during milit biography so, let me know servi

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Informational and ville will be held on Thursday, Oct. last.

Senior Center more infor Plain Support n textbook which is good for both with its fullest expression in sexual and The entio ities prev activ Scam Program, co-hosted 16 at 1 p.m. at the UAW Region Ron and Mavis Pirola, parents intercourse. olas byming the classes. Each class is limited to six announced upco Sergeant Nich yn ” for more infor Plainville Senior 9A Office, 111 South Road, Join Detective of four from Sydney, Australia, told sign-up, or Center and ctive Evel events. To students. Call the Senior Center “That’s not what we bishops talk ing events, call r lins and Dete Plainville Youth Farmington. All Fafnir retiron the follow a Vatican gathering of some 200 mationServices, will East St. at Mul iguez at the Plainville Senio for more information. about mostly, quite honestly,” British Center at 200 Rodr meet on Tuesday, Senior28 ees are invited and bring your prelates that sexual attraction brought the Oct. Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Driver training Cardinal Vincent Nichols told er, on Tuesday, onal meeting 8: 10:30 Cent -572 )747 a.m.

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Plainville ns for more raising more. The cost for the class is $15 divorce, homosexuality and yes, sex puter for two sessio Grandparents Senior Center, 860-747-5 The Plainville Senior Center for each other,” the couple said in a joint also runs or the course728, AARP members, providing a Plainville from 9:30 — more relevant to today’s Catholics. grandchildren Relatives and Nov. 25 has announced upcoming activi18 860Youth to Services, Nov. and on how nts learn membership number and $20 for The Grandpare 793-0221, ext 261. to 11:30 a.m. You wills, how to use Informational Grandchildren DVD rams Raising ram, co-hosted burn CDs or tool, install prog of and Support Prog r Center and the snipping parts Plainville Senio -up for both and more. Sign on October 7. Each by the Youth Services, will meet ation s ville res the dedic Plain begin captu per class 10:30 a.m. rable I,” the ut in WWI . The hono day, Oct. 28 at at a cost of $10 H. Quinlan Park tol, Connectic class is provided additional cost for on Tues airs were John entitled, “Bris which remains today at an program co-ch n in the picture? from the book person with ker and the tville Honor Roll, ceme picture, taken

IN BRIEF

Berlin AARP

LOOk fOr Our sEnIOr fEaturEs EvEry MOnday In BristolPress.com

Pope, prelates get crash course in sex

FS SENIOR BRIE

Fafnir Retirees

WHEN REMEMBER

iors Plainville Sen

Plainville Seniors

This week’s Nov. 7, 1943, of the Fores l, was the dedication speaany of these Bristol servi ceremony on a former mayor of Bristo A. Hunt. Can you identify n, rd Joseph Dutto the podium, and Willa at Gienty, seen

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

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January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

It’s a new year, and a great time to look ahead for things you can do to better your life.

We start with a number of artists from the Plainville Senior Center who took home top honors from the state’s only juried (judged) show just for seniors.

From watercolors to photographs, these folks have put color to paper in unique ways, highlighting their talents and vision now that they have the time to do it.

What happens when the temperatures drop, but you don’t have the resources to keep warm?

Help is available, and we talk to the people who provide it.

The major theme is that those in the most need are afraid their personal information will be shared, which the experts say is just not true.

And when they finally do meet with a coordinator, they often find there’s more assistance available than they know.

If you don’t think there’s anything you can do about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, look again.

Memory care is now being offered throughout the area

through the Alzheimer’s Resource Center and a federal grant.

Among the services being offered are memory screenings, personal consultations, home safety evaluations, brain fitness classes and caregiver classes – all free to the public.

We can’t leave out our own Erica Schmitt, who starts her first column with this issue.

She tells us why she’s averse to the constant clamor of technology engulfing our home and work lives.

Despite her parents’ suggestions (read: “pleas”), she insists the “dumb-phone” is her friend, keeping her from becoming one of the masses that can’t leave home without it — be it an iPhone, smartphone, tablet or digital player.

You’ll have to read her plan for us that probably already need a trip to technology rehab.

I’m hoping that the year ahead will be your best ever — and that we spend it together, if only in the pages of Connecticut Prime Time.

INSIDE

JANUARY Local winners at juried show

Keeping warm Help to deal with winter

6 10 FEATURES

8 Elder care 14 Erica Schmitt 15 Elder law 16 Healthy living 18 Games and puzzles 20 Datebook Connecticut Prime Time is published monthly by Central Connecticut Communications, LLC, One Herald Square, New Britain Connecticut 06051. Free copies are distributed throughout Central Connecticut Michael E. Schroeder Editor and Publisher mschroeder@centralctcommunications.com (860) 225-4601 ext. 246 Erica Schmitt Staff Writer eschmitt@ centralctcommunications.com (860)225-4601 Chris McLaughlin Designer Gary Curran Advertising Director gcurran@centralctcommunications.com (860)225-4601 Joseph Cannata Jr. Distribution Director jcannata@centralctcommunications.com (860)225-4601

We want your contributions!

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the editor at CT Prime Time, One Herald Square, New Britain, CT 06010; faxed to (860)225-2611, or emailed to PTeditor@centralctcommunications.com

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January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

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Donald Liljedahl shows off a painting during a reception for the Plainville Senior Center Art Show.

Kevin Bartram | Staff

Experienced artists Locals honored in state’s only juried senior show

By Erica Schmitt

A

half-dozen local artists were honored recently in Connecticut’s only juried art show for seniors.

The 7th annual event, held at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, was called “Art of Experience” for a reason.

Contestants were all over the age of 70, so their work not only reflected over a half-century of experience, but all the imagination they’ve gathered through that time.

Categories included painting, drawing, sculpture and photography.

There were 17 winners overall — four per category and one Best in Show.

The Plainville Senior Center hosted a reception in December to celebrate local contestants’ work.

“It’s important to stay creative as you get older — it challenges your mind,” said Ronda Guberman, assistant director. “I think what’s really neat is a lot of folks didn’t know they had these talents until they decided to take a class,” she added.

That wasn’t the case for Plainville resident Judith Humphrey, who won third place in the show for her photo “The Basket Weaver.”

A retired photojournalist who has traveled to 6

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

17 different countries and every state in America, Humphrey has a wealth of experience.

“My daughter told me, ‘Only in America could my mother go to Hawaii and take a picture of a man weaving a basket — wearing a shirt that says Oregon — and win a contest with it,” she said with a laugh.

Before retiring in 2003, Humphrey, 71, worked for newspapers and non-profit organizations on the west coast. Then she moved back to her home state and started a photography club at the center called Snappy Seniors.

“I wanted to give back and said, what can I share with people? Well I take decent pictures so I can teach them that,” she recalled.

Not only does Humphrey volunteer with other adults, but she taught a course for teenagers at Plainville Library over the summer.

“I hadn’t worked with young people in a while so it was nice,” she said, joking, “Between them and the seniors, the attention span was about the same.”

Irene Kelsey submitted two photos she took — one with Snappy Seniors, and the other on a trip to Alaska.

“I look at pictures in National Geographic and other magazines and I say: What makes them interesting? and I try to follow that,” said Kelsey, who lives in Plainville.

The show was held at the end of September, before all works were moved to the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury for the month of October. Finally in November, local artists’ pieces were brought home and put on display at the center.

Entitled “Cactus Flower,” Southington resident Ellen Couture’s sculpture was crafted out of barbecue skewers, toothpicks and larger pieces of wood, then held together at its center by a dowel.

Couture could be found at the recent reception sporting a colorful shirt that read, “Starving artist café.” She has created a number

Photographer Judith Humphrey

Contributing artists gather during the reception.

Visitors examine artwork during a reception for the Plainville Senior Center Art Show

of three-dimensional pieces in her free time.

“I use found products from around the house; it keeps it fairly reasonably priced,” she said, adding, “My kids moved out and I turned their bedrooms into my studio.”

It was actually a photo that June Demanski took of her 15-year-old grandson before his concert performance that inspired her piece, “Anticipation of a Young Cellist.”

“I’m going to give it to him for Christmas,” said the Plainville resident.

Young family members were also muses for Dianne Misko, whose photo “Passing Time” was another contender.

“It was when I first had my grandchildren that I started taking

pictures,” she said.

Donald Liljedahl was honored for “Releasing Birds in Graceful Flight,” an acrylic painting that complimented his poem by the same name.

Both pieces hung side-by-side in the show.

“I’ve been painting all my life but when I retired four years ago I started doing it more,” he said.

“Art of Experience” was designed to highlight the talent, wisdom and vitality of seniors ages 70 and older. The oldest entrant this year was 99.

Wendell Copeland January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

7

An easy New Year’s resolution N

ow that it’s less than a week after the start of the New Year, we all might have fudged a bit on those earnest promises to ourselves. I sort of missed the full set of exercises I vowed to do each morning, but I

enough.

The documents everyone needs are a will, a power of attorney, a living will with designation of health care representative, and a HIPAA release so medical people will talk with your family.

those assets to add up.

Other reasons for the will are to name the executor who you want to handle your estate, and to provide for contingencies if you outlive your primary beneficiary.

“I don’t need a power of attorney now. I’ll do it when I’m older.” Wrong, STEPHEN The power of attorney unless you have a crystal ALLAIRE allows your spouse or your ball.

Once a debilitating event child or other trusted occurs and you are not capable of signing, it is too person to handle your late. legal and financial affairs There is no such thing as if you cannot. too early, but there is most assuredly a too late.

The power of attorney had a good reason. Really.

A living trust may be allows your spouse or your Here is one easy resoluadvisable in some circumchild or other trusted pertion that is easy to keep, stances. son to handle your legal and is really, really good Here are the excuses peo- and financial affairs if you for you. “I promise to get ple make: cannot. my basic legal affairs in “My wife and I only have This is most important order.” That’s not hard. All a house with a mortgage between elderly spouses, it takes is a phone call for and very little money so we because if one becomes sick an appointment with your don’t need a will.” Wrong. and needs significant care, attorney.

Young couples with the power of attorney is the For almost everyone, minor children especially document that will allow that means one meeting to need wills so that they can the healthy spouse to move review your family situation, decide who will raise those assets in accordance with and one meeting to sign kids as their guardian if the the Medicaid (Title 19) documents. terrible circumstance arises rules so that assets can be You don’t have to do it where both should die. protected. every day, or every week, or The same goes for who “I don’t like to think even once a month. will handle the money for about a living will because Unless personal circumthe children. Don’t forget it makes me think of the stances change, once is that life insurance will cause end.”

8

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

That certainly is true, but that is the whole point of the living will and designation of health-care representative.

You need to think ahead of time about who you want to make regular, or end of life medical decisions for you, if you are unconscious or incapable of expressing those desires to the doctor treating you.

Like the power of attorney, it’s too late once you are incapable.

And you need to tell the people you appoint what your wishes are and that you have named them.

Be sure they feel the same way about those decisions.

And that they have the emotional ability to make that decision.

Some children could never bring themselves to make the decision to terminate a parent’s life support, so that is not the child you want to burden with the decision.

Medical science keeps advancing, as do the situations that might call for difficult decisions.

And last, “What’s a HIPAA, anyway?” Well, that stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

When Congress passed it in 1996, it set out severe monetary penalties if medical people disclosed your private medical information to anyone.

That is the reason you have to sign a so-called HIPAA release when you go to your doctor.

The reason you should have a HIPAA is so that you can allow any medical person to speak with the family members you name on the HIPAA. So to paraphrase Dr. Seuss, today is your day.

Your resolution is waiting.

So get on your way.

Dial up that phone and call an attorney to get those documents done. New Year’s resolutions don’t get easier than that.

Attorney Stephen O. Allaire is a partner in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, LLC, a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with offices at 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, (860) 584-2384), or on the web at www.allaireelderlaw. com. If you have a question, send a written note to Attorney Allaire at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, CT, 06010, and he may use your question.

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January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

9

Keeping warm

By Erica Schmitt

K

eeping warm should not be a concern for anyone this winter.

Over 1,500 households had already applied for help paying for heat by the middle of December, according to the city’s Human Resources Agency.

About a quarter of them were residents over the age of 60, a group the nonprofit hoped to reach specifically this year.

“If we didn’t do outreach they wouldn’t know about it,” said Christian Contreras, who coordinates the energy assistance program.

“A lot of people are hesitant, they don’t want the help because they feel like their personal information is going to be public which it’s not.”

“We want to take care of our elderly.”

Staff went to the city’s senior communities, including Jefferson House and Marion Heights. They also made individual trips to the homebound to help them with their applications.

While HRA handles the majority of residents, the New Britain Senior Center meets with older adults in particular.

“A lot of people are hesitant, they don’t want the help because they feel like their personal information is going to be public which it’s not.”

CHRISTIAN CONTRERAS Energy assistance program coordinator

“They’re dealing with the entire population so we try to help out with the elderly,” said Ann Egan, an intake worker who has helped connect seniors with financial assistance in several different capacities for the last 14 years.

“It’s a matter of familiarity, a matter of comfort for them coming here,” added John Coughlin, the

city’s municipal agent on aging.

Not only can people look forward to a lesser electric or oil bill, but those who own a home may be eligible for property tax assistance and those who rent, renter’s rebate.

There’s also Medicare savings available.

“The concept of one-stop-shopping does work well here,” Coughlin added. “They may come in for one thing and then end up with two or three they’re enrolled in.”

However, qualifying for one program does not guarantee eligibility for all of them.

“The governor promised 20 years ago he’d make the guidelines the

same across the board for all senior programs,” Egan recalled. “That never happened.”

To receive energy assistance, homeowners can not have more than $10,000 in assets in their savings; renters, $7,000. Relief from high property taxes, however, does not require an asset test.

This time of year it takes about two weeks to get an appointment at the senior center to apply for energy assistance, and Egan and Coughlin meet with five to eight people every day. But the assistance can come through that same week, if everything goes smoothly.

It’s quicker if an individual has

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

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this winter applied in years past, which the majority have.

“We have a lot of repeaters,” said Coughlin. “Unfortunately, ninety-nine percent of the time their economic scenarios don’t improve.”

This year he anticipates an increase in residents who need assistance. Although not everyone will qualify, staff will make a concerted effort to put every application through.

“If we have to add extra time to our schedules we will accommodate,” Egan said.

If you are over age 60, live in New Britain and think you may

need assistance paying for heat this winter call the New Britain Senior Center at (860) 826-3553.

City residents of any age can call the Human Resources Agency to make an appointment to apply for assistance, at (860) 225-1084.

If you leave in Bristol, Burlington, Plymouth, Farmington or Plainville and think you may need assistance paying for heat this winter, call the Bristol Community Organization at (860) 5827490.

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11

Caring for your

memory

Alzheimer’s Resource Center to offer free memory care services 60 living in Central Connecticut.

Although the center is locathe older people get, the ed in Plantsville, it has deployed more memories they col- Stephani Shivers, director of comlect. Local residents now munity services and education, to have an opportunity to learn how partner with the Bristol and New to protect those memories as they Britain Senior Centers. Older age. adults now have a resource where The Alzheimer’s Resource they can access memory screens, Center recently received a grant personal consultations, home safefrom the North Central Area ty evaluations, brain fitness classes on Aging through the Older and caregiver education — all free Americans Act to offer free mem- of charge. ory care services to those over age “We are thrilled to bring invalu-

By Erica Schmitt

T 12

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

able information to older adults on brain health and aging,” said Shivers. “Memory changes are a concern for many seniors and family care partners want to learn ways to support loved ones living with dementia. With this grant we can be a vital community resource to promote healthy minds for everyone and hopeful lives for families affected by dementia.”

While there are 85 variations of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease is

the most common by far. In fact, according to recent statistics one in nine people over age 65 have it. That ratio increases to one in three adults over age 85. AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

But memory is just one brain function affected. Also impacted are language, reasoning, judgment, planning, emotional regulation, visual and spatial function, decision-making, problem solving and safety awareness.

Stephani Shivers of the Alzheimer’s Research Center of Connecticut speaks during a lecture on memory loss at the Bristol Senior Center.

Medical professionals recommend older adults have their memory checked routinely, just as they would their blood pressure.

Because it is identified by plaques and tangles in the brain, AD can only be definitively diagnosed after an individual is deceased. However, doctors today are usually able to narrow down a patient’s type of dementia to confirm if it is indeed AD or another type.

There is no cure, and the progressive brain deterioration

that occurs eventually proves terminal.

Medicines and therapy are administered to help alleviate symptoms in patients.

While everyone misplaces things from time to time, someone with dementia may be unable to retrace their steps to locate the missing item.

This is one of the first warning signs, according to Shivers.

“This is a critical one,” she explained.

“What do you do when you lose your keys? You think back to where you were when you last had them — that’s a very high-level cognitive strategy someone with Alzheimer’s may not be able to complete.”

You may not develop dementia yourself, but it is likely that someone close to you will someday: a friend, family member, maybe a coworker. If you notice changes in their mood or personality or that they are withdrawing from work or social activities, this could be the reason why.

“People who are experiencing changes in their memory function know it, and they’re scared,” Shivers said. “People are embarrassed and afraid you’re going to find out.”

It’s important to remember that this is

when they need you the most, however. Just like everyone else, they still want to be connected with their loved ones, experience joy, grow in character and find meaning in their lives.

“Having a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t change what we want out of life,” Shivers pointed out.

“We have to remember that when someone we love is diagnosed.”

She encourages people to look at it more optimistically — as a shift in the way a person perceives the world around them.

“I like this definition because it’s more holistic,” Shivers added. “It shows that we are more than just our memory; we still have our soul and spirit.”

She recently came to the Bristol Senior Center to give an informational presentation on the disease to those interested. About a dozen people attended, including those concerned about their own memory loss and others who are caring for someone with dementia.

Bristol resident Martha Lanza’s father had Alzheimer’s and now her sister has developed it and her other sister is beginning to show symptoms as well.

“This was an eye-opener for me,” she said after the recent lecture. “I’m really scared, and I want to learn as much as I can so I can best take care of myself

COMMON MISCONCEPTION: Agitation and anger are not direct symptoms of dementia. In reality, an individual who is unable to identify and meet his or her needs can become frustrated and this might translate into anger. and them.”

Lanza’s sister with AD used to work as a bilingual teacher, but now can only speak her first language – Spanish.

This is just one example of what can happen.

Shivers and others from the Alzheimer’s Resource Center will be offering a free six-week Brain Fitness Class to people at the Bristol Senior Center starting Friday, Jan. 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. Anyone over age 60 hoping to strengthen their brain is encouraged to attend.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Shivers. “It will challenge different domains of your memory and mind.”

The same course will also be offered in New Britain starting in January.

Shivers is also available to meet with people one-on-one, including those who may be concerned with their own memory loss or are caring for someone affected.

January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

13

Living in the ‘Phone Age’

ERICA SCHMITT

To me, the need for this constant web browsing equates to fears of real human interaction, solitude and transcendence.

While I still intend to keep my own feet planted in the stone age, (not the phone age) I admire his ability to jump right into this Brave New World.

From my perspective as an outsider, it’s just as scary as the futuristic dystopia prophesized by Aldous Huxley in his 1932 novel of the same name.

People now resemble scavengers: their heads buried in the contents of a tiny screen, desperately searching for something usually unknown to those in their physical presence.

To me, the need for this constant web browsing equates to fears of real human interaction, solitude and transcendence.

Family dinners, nights out with friends, first dates… they don’t feel as alive when the attendees are interacting with their phones rather than the people they came to be with.

I could preach all day about this subject, but that would just make me a stubborn nonconformist.

The truth of the matter is

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

that all this texting, tweeting, blogging and “friending” helps reconnect old pals, bridge gaps between strangers and makes life pretty darn convenient.

But like a rebellious teenager, I still refuse to follow the rules, heed my dad’s advice and “get with the picture.”

So I salute you, older adults who haven’t jumped on the e-living bandwagon.

Some might tell you that the easiest way to feel young as you grow older is to get in with the new technology.

I say, return to your youth by

living free of devices you didn’t even dream of then.

Or maybe just limit yourself a little, at least at the dinner table.

John Lennon’s song “Power to the People” was released in 1971.

Now in 2015, power off, people.

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generation might have been the last to experience early childhood without personal cell phones and all of the hard-wired devices that kids nowadays can’t seem to detach from.

Most people my age are very well connected — and I don’t mean with organized crime.

I, however, am an enigma.

My cell phone isn’t “smart” — at least not enough to have “apps” or even access to the internet.

I don’t have a Facebook account, and don’t belong to any other social network — at least online.

Ever since these platforms surfaced, I’ve had an aversion to joining the masses of my technology-dependent peers.

Kevin and Carolyn, my father and mother, were born in 1953 and 1954, respectively.

They are high-school sweethearts.

My dad has an iPhone, a tablet, one desktop computer for home and another for work, two printers and one of those things that resembles a phone but pretends to 14

be a book.

He has profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn and maybe some other social networks I am unfamiliar with.

028858

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his is the first installment of a monthly column written by a young person with parents nearing their golden years.

I am 25 years old, so my

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Where to Turn for Help Aging persons and their family members face many unique legal issues. As you can tell from previous colof the DANIEL O. umns Medicaid TULLY program (Title 19), the legal, financial and care planning issues facing the prospective nursing home resident and family can be particularly complex. If you or a family member needs nursing home care, it is clear that you need expert legal help. Where can you turn for that help? It is difficult for the consumer to be able to identify lawyers who have the training and

experience required to provide expert guidance during this most difficult time.

Generally, nursing home planning and Medicaid planning is an aspect of the services provided by elder law attorneys. Consumers must be cautious in choosing a lawyer and carefully investigate the lawyer’s credentials.

You may want to start with recommendations from friends who have received professional help with nursing home issues. Who did they use? Were they satisfied with the services they received?

Hospital social workers?

Alzheimer and other support group, accountants, and other financial professionals also can be good sources of rec-

ommendations.

In general, a lawyer who devotes a substantial part of his or her practice to nursing home planning should have more knowledge and experience to address the issues properly. Don’t hesitate to ask the lawyer what percentage of his practice involves nursing home planning. Or you may want to ask how many new nursing home planning cases the law office handles each month. There is no correct answer. But, there is a good chance that a law office that assists with two nursing home placements a week is more likely to be more up-to-date and knowledgeable than an office that helps with two place-

ments a year. Ask whether the lawyer is a member of any elder law planning organizations. Is the lawyer involved with committees or local or state bar organizations that have to do with nursing home planning? If so, has the lawyer held a position of authority on the committee? Does the lawyer lecture on nursing home planning? If so, to whom?

(For example, if the lawyer is asked to teach other lawyers about elder law and nursing home planning, that is a very good sign that the lawyer is considered knowledgeable by people who should know.) If the lawyer lectures to the public, you might try to attend one of the semi-

nars. This should help you decided if this is the lawyer for you.The leading national organization of elder law attorneys is the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

In the end, follow your instincts and choose an attorney who knows this area of the law who is committed to helping others, and will listen to you and the unique wants and needs of you and your family.

Attorney Daniel O. Tully is a partner in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc., with offices at 120 Laurel St., Bristol, (860) 583-1341.

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15

HEALTHY LIVING

New developments in detection of lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with more than 150,000 lung canNOA cer deaths in MENCHER 2013 — more than the total number of deaths from colon, breast or prostate cancer. More than 220,000 people were diagnosed with the disease last year.

One of the reasons lung cancer has had such a high mortality rate is that it has traditionally been a difficult form of cancer to detect in its early stages. But that is changing rapidly, thanks to new research showing that

low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer in its early stages.

In response, low-dose CT scan screening programs are being adopted at hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. The cancer program where I work — the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut – was one of the first healthcare organizations in the state to provide free lung cancer screenings, and the program is already making a difference.

Across our Institute – which includes cancer centers at HOCC, MidState Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital — we have screened more than 700 people for lung cancer

over the past year. At least seven of them have screened positive for lung cancer, and those patients credit the screening program for saving their lives. Nationwide, it’s expected that screening will save more than 20,000 lives.

There’s even more good news in that the national Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has adopted a plan to cover all costs for low-dose CT scan lung cancer screenings beginning next year – just as costs are currently covered for mammograms and colonoscopies. Although hospitals such as ours provide screenings free of cost for those who meet the eligibility requirements, the proposal to have Medicare cover all costs for patients across the country

will only improve our collective efforts to reduce lung cancer mortality.

The eligibility requirements for those who should be screened are as follows: ∎Be a current or former smoker (former smokers having quit within the last 15 years). ∎ Be between the ages of 55 and 74 and healthy enough to undergo treatment, if needed. ∎ Have a smoking history of at least 30 “pack-years” (one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.). ∎Have not been treated for any kind of cancer within the past five years. ∎Be between 50 and 74 with a 20 pack-year smoking history and a secondary

risk factor (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, family history of lung cancer, certain occupational exposures). ∎If you meet these criteria, I encourage you to contact our lung cancer screening hotline at (860) 224-LUNG. That number will connect you to caregivers at both the New Britain and Southington (Bradley Memorial) campuses of HOCC. Noa Mencher, RN, BSN, MPA, is an oncology nurse navigator specializing in lung cancer at The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. For referrals to HOCC physicians, please contact our free Need-A-Physician referral service by phone at 1-800-3216244 or online, www.thocc.org.

Shingles can be painful follow-up to chickenpox

Shingles is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus that also can cause chickenpox.

Anyone who has had chickROGER EL-HACHEM enpox can get shingles.

Once chickenpox resolves, the virus remains dormant in your body.

The virus can reactivate later in life and causes shingles. Symptoms include burning, pain or itching in a localized area on one 16

side of the body. Later on, a painful blistering rash can appear in the same area.

The rash does not usually cross the midline.

Other symptoms may include fever, chills and headaches.

Shingles can be treated with oral antiviral medications. It is recommended to get treated within 72 hours of the appearance of the rash to decrease the risks of complications. You can get shingles more than once.

If that happens, the rash usually reappears in a differ-

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

ent location.

Possible complications of shingles include post herpetic neuralgia which is pain in the area affected by shingles.

This is the most common complication, and can last for months.

Other complications can include secondary bacterial skin infections.

Eye involvement can lead to serious complications and is considered an ophthalmologic emergency.

Affected patients should seek immediate medical attention. People who have

not had chickenpox and never received chickenpox vaccine can get infected from someone who has shingles.

If you have shingles you should avoid contact with pregnant women, infants, patients with a weakened immune system and anyone who has never had chickenpox.

As far as prevention, there is a shingles vaccine available and is used for adults 50 years of age or older.

It does not protect everyone, but it decreases the risk and severity of recurrence.

Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of shingles.

Roger El-Hachem, MD, is a member of the medical staff of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group, Inc, and he has an internal medicine practice at 2 Spring Lane, Suite 2, in Farmington. Dr. El-Hachem is board-certified in internal medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians.

He is fluent in English, French and Arabic. Dr. El-Hachem is accepting new patients and can be reached at (860) 284-6801.

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January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

19

DATEBOOK Let us know what’s going on

Open house Mulberry Gardens of Southington, an assisted living, adult day and memory care community, will host open houses on Saturdays, Jan. 3 and 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marie Terzak, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event. Coffee will be served. Mulberry Gardens of Southington is located at 58 Mulberry St. in the Plantsville section of Southington. For more information or to RSVP, call Marie Terzak, (860) 2761020.

5 | Monday Information session The Good Life Fitness center at Southington Care Center is hosting informational sessions on Mondays, Jan. 5 and Feb. 2 to give the public the opportunity to learn about the specialized fitness program which is geared toward older adults.

Exercise physiologists will be available to talk about the program and give tours of the gym. Light appetizers will also be served. These info sessions will be held at Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave. Reservations

Prime Time wants to tell our readers about your coming events.

It’s easy — just send us the details and a picture if you like. Our email is primetime@ centralctcommunications.com. You can also fax your announcement to (860) 225-2611 or mail it to CT Prime Time, One Court St, New Britain, 06051.

Deadline for the next issue is January 15. are preferred. To RSVP or for more information, call the care center at (860) 621-9559.

Support group Alzheimer’s Support Group, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ingraham Manor Skilled Nursing Facility.

Tai Chi Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Mondays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., $80 per session. To register, visit bristolhospital.org/events.

Advanced Tai Chi & Qi Gong,

FEDERATION HOMES Dedicated to independent Living

Want to be a part of our community?

Applicants must be 62 years of age or Individuals with disabilities in order to apply. Income Limits.

We are accepting applications for our one and tw bedroom unitso waiting list!

Mondays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 23, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., $80 per session. To register, visit bristolhospital.org/events.

Support group Circle of Hope Cancer Survivors Support Group, from 6 p.m., Bristol Hospital, Hughes Auditorium.

6 | Monday

Evening Diabetes Support Group, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Bristol Hospital Center for Diabetes.

Blood pressure screening Central Connecticut Senior Health Services will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations in January: ∎ Tuesday, Jan. 6, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Southington YMCA, 29 High St., Southington ∎ Thursday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. to noon, Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., Southington ∎ Thursday, Jan. 8, 1 to 2 p.m., Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., Plainville ∎ *New Day* Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to noon, ShopRite, 750 Queen St., Southington ∎ *New Time* Tuesday, Jan. 27, 10 to 11 a.m., Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., Southington ∎ *New Time* Tuesday, Jan. 27, noon to 1 p.m., Cheshire YMCA, 967 S. Main St., Cheshire

7 | Tuesday Class registration Starting at 9 a.m. the Bristol Senior Center will begin its class registration for classes that will be held at the center. The following classes will be held: Tai Chi (beginners and experienced), One stroke painting, strength and tone exercise, Tap dance for seniors, Ladies Exercise, Advanced Quilting, Beginners Quilting, Chair Caning, Ceramics, Co-Ed Exercise, Gentle Chair Yoga, Intermediate Painting, Beginners Painting, Line Dance, Zumba Gold, Stretch

& Relax, Cognitive Fitness, and Jewelry Making. The following Computer classes are also available: Introduction to Computers, Internet, Finding a Job, Computer Maintenance, Virtual Travel, and Blogging. Class registration will take place in the gymnasium at the Bristol Senior Center, 240 Stafford Ave. Registration will continue daily, in the office until Jan. 23. Classes are scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 27. Class prices range between $10 and $20 for a full session. Participants must be a member of the Bristol Senior Center.

Membership is free for Bristol residents. The non-resident fee is $40 per year.

Yoga class Yoga for Healing your Back, Wednesdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 11, 6 to 7 p.m., $65.

To register, visit bristolhospital.org/events.

Hearing SolutionS Hearing evaluations.

Hearing aid fittings, repairs and batteries.

Medicare, HMO’s, Medicaid Claims.

037478

3 | Saturday

John Diakun, M.S.

Support the Alzheimer’s Association Wear your Sunflower Bangle from Alex and Ani

Audiologist

Please contact Federation Homes for an application at 860-243-2535

20

156 Wintonbury Ave. Bloomfield

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

Kensington Hearing Services 211 New Britain Rd., Kensington (Next to McDonald’s)

74 Farmington Ave. Bristol, CT 06010 www.shannonsjewerlers.com

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860-826-6450

DATEBOOK Informational seminar Free Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Informational Seminars: Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield; Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m. Prime Health, 20 Isham Road, West Harford; Jan. 15, 6 p.m. Bristol Hospital, Hughes Auditorium; Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. Farmington Marriott, 15 Farm Springs Road, Farmington. To register, call (860) 585-3339.

Family reading adventure Family Reading Adventure Program, Wednesdays, Jan. 7 to February 11, 10 to 11 a.m., free to low-income families, all others $30.

for Healthy Aging at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain campus, will present an educational session on preventing falls and fractures.

This Lunch & Learn program will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, from noon to 1 p.m., at the hospital, 100 Grand St. A complimentary lunch will be served. David Santoro, director of operations of Hartford Hospital’s Bone & Joint Institute, will be the guest speaker. Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested. For more information or to reserve a spot, call the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging at (877) 424-4641.

8 | Wednesday

10 | Friday

Lunch & Learn The Connecticut Center

Open house An open house at beau-

tiful Cedar Mountain Commons, a not for profit independent and assisted living community, will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Marie Pugliese, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event. Refreshments will be served. Cedar Mountain Commons is located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive.

For more information or to RSVP, call Marie Pugliese, (860) 665-7901.

11 | Saturday Open houses The Orchards at Southington, an independent and assisted living community, will host open houses on Sunday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 24, from

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edesa Ciscar, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event.

Coffee will be served.

The Orchards at Southington is located at 34 Hobart St. For more information or to RSVP, call Edesa Ciscar, (860) 628-5656.

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent, assisted living and memory care community, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Denise Lebrocquy, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event. Arbor Rose at Jerome Home is located at 975 Corbin Ave. For more information or to RSVP, call Denise Lebrocquy, (860) 2293707.

12 | Sunday Discussion on joint health From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Bristol Hospital, Hughes Auditorium. To register, call (860) 584-8306.

13 | Monday Support group Cancer Caregivers Support Group from 6 p.m., Bristol Hospital, Cancer Care Center Conference Room.

15 | Wednesday Life support certification Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Full Certification: Jan. 15, 9 a.m.

Continued ON, Page 22

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DATEBOOK 27 | Tuesday

Continued from Page 21

to 3:30 p.m., Recertification: Jan. 14, 5 to 8:30 p.m., $85-Full Certification, $55-Recertification. To register, call (860) 314-0632.

ORD

21 | Wednesday

63. Black eye oard game 64. Tasteless ems Cooking Matters 65. Vaughan or alate Bernhardt ppendage Cooking Matters in the Flapjack ennsylvania Store, Jan.66.

21, 6 to 8cousins p.m., 68. Wilkesort free. To register, call—(860) ar: Prefix 585-389569. Raucous 72. Certain astic wood detective’s beat cline Heartsaver/AED 73. Avalanche erisive Heartsaver/AED, From, 6 74. Put on right angles to 9:30 p.m., $70.

To 75. Tutelaryregister, god ship call (860) 76.

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TIC-TAC-TOE 78. Midway alternative 79. Part of UMWA 80. — Katherine Sorvino 82. Catchy tune: 2 wds.

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22

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105. Reminder system: 2 wds.

107. British composer 108. Better — ever 109. Saw 110. Singleton 111. Spreads to dry 112. Offenses 113. Minister’s house 114. Pastures

4 | Wednesday (February)

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79. Lugubrious 99. Pelt adults.

81. Chafes 100. Motion picture Exercise physiologists will mation or to reserve a spot, Heights Adult Day Center, program in a safe and posi83.(860) As neat as — — 101. Lamb, be available to talk about the call 561-7583.

314 Osgood Ave. tive environment.

84. — four alternatively program and give tours of the The Friendship Club Care is provided to indi86. Gladden 102. Soaks flax transportation, gym. Light appetizers will also Support group provides viduals with a variety of 88. City in LatviaGardens104. letter meals, exercise be served.

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Heights Adult Day Center is to schedule a visit, call Mary preferred. To RSVP or for more information, call (860) The club meets at to provide the highest qual- Roberts, (860) 357229-3707.

Mulberry Gardens at Marian ity community-based day 4264.

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Marc Levesque, oddess of City in Lorraine MS, senior70. resource case ctory 71. Silva manager for the CT Center est 73. Pit for Healthy Aging, will presecklace part ent the program. Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested. For more infor-

Support group Free bariatric weight loss surgery support group, from preOp group: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Topic: New Year, New Beginnings: PreOp Goals/ Expectations; PostOp Group: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Topic: New Year, New Beginnings: PostOp Goals/Expectations; Location: Bristol hospital, Hughes Auditorium

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

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January 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

23

What kind of

Joint Health program do you build for someone who doesn’t take life sitting down?

An extraordinary one.

Center for Orthopedic and Spine Health Advanced level joint care is available right here at Bristol Hospital. Our highly trained team specializes in today’s most progressive shoulder, hip and knee revision and replacement procedures, including Direct Anterior Hip Replacement, which means less pain, faster recovery and increased mobility. Add that to our exceptional patient outcomes and personalized care experience, and we’ll have you back to living an active life as quickly and safely as possible.

For more information, visit BristolHospital.org/GetOutThere

24

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015