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Better SENIOR LIVING August 2017

Inside This Issue Moments with Marvel........ Page 3 Percolators and Wringer Washers LEGAL MATTERS................ Page 4 Need Timely Legal Advice? Where Can You Turn? Retirement FUND$............ Page 5 Revocable Trusts ARE Still Relevant Leisure & Learning Activities ................................... Pages 6-10 NEW! Caregivers Corner ... Page 11 Put Your Mask On First! Care for the Caregiver Senior Romance, Sex, and Relationships ................. Page 12 Female Sex Drive LEGALESE........................ Page 13 Is Medicare Going Broke?

Need FREE Help Around the House?

Contact Jerry Guffey at 785-727-7879 to sign up to have KU students come to your home on Saturday, August 26, 12:30 – 1:45 PM, to help! See page 12 for details.

www.YourSRC.org

Mark Your Calendar on August 21st for the Great American Eclipse Michelle Meier, Editor

On Monday, August 21, our area will experience a nearly total eclipse of the sun as the moon passes between the earth and the sun. Typically, two to five solar eclipses occur each year on average. There has been a lot of excitement around the upcoming eclipse, which is now being pegged as the “Great American Eclipse.” The path of this eclipse will cross diagonally over the entire continental United States. People from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a total eclipse of the sun and nearly three minutes of darkness. Those outside the main path will see at least a partial solar eclipse (weather permitting). This is the first total eclipse in nearly 40 years that was visible from the continental United States, and the first in 99 years where the path crossed the U.S. from coast to coast. Lawrence and Douglas County fall just outside the “path of totality” of the solar eclipse, approximately 60 miles from the centerline of the eclipse’s path that will cross over Saint Joseph, MO. Douglas County will still experience most of the effects of the total eclipse as its path is said to be around 70 miles wide. Peak viewing of the eclipse in Lawrence will occur just after 1:00 PM CST. To see a map of just how close the elliptical path comes to Lawrence, go to www.greatamericaneclipse.com/ kansas/

a few times in our lives. There won’t be another total eclipse in the U.S. until April 8, 2024. Important Tips for Viewing the Solar Eclipse • Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. • To view the sun directly (and safely), use “solar-viewing glasses” or “eclipse glasses” or “personal solar filters.” The “lenses” of solar-viewing glasses are made from special-purpose solar filters that are hundreds of thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. These glasses are so dark that the face of the sun should be the only thing visible through them. • Although some solar viewing glasses may have standard looking frames rather than temporary paper frames, similar to 3D glasses, keep in mind that sunglasses are never a substitute for solar-viewing glasses. • Even multiple pairs of sunglasses worn together will not protect your eyes from potential damage.

So mark your calendars, as this is something all of us will experience only 785-842-0543 • Temporary Location: 2920 Haskell Ave • Mailing Address: 745 Vermont St • Lawrence, KS 66044

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Better Senior Living

August 2017

Moments with Marvel

Percolators and Wringer Washers

By Dr. Marvel Williamson, Executive Director, Senior Resource Center for Douglas County As I sit in my home office preparing to write this month’s column, I am looking out the window at the dawn of another hot summer day. All is still; no breeze ruffles the branches of the tree across the street. Its leaves are dying from the heat and lack of rain, falling straight down to the ground in the stillness.

topic based on new information—not that I’m always perfect in such matters, but I do try to be open to growth. What rewards lie in resisting new things and ideas? As long as others are willing to accommodate obsolete ways, I suppose some people find it easier and cheaper to continue as always.

For some people summertime is their favorite season of year. Sunny days mean outdoor fun and barbecues. Many of us were conditioned in childhood to welcome summer when we could be free from school, go to camp, and catch fireflies at dusk.

Fear is another powerful factor. Letting go of the familiar is part of it, but I think that some people are already so far behind that contemplating how much they would have to learn to catch up is overwhelming and frightening. Such fear is paralyzing, especially when finding help at the most basic level to begin the growth process is difficult.

As I’ve aged, my heat tolerance has disappeared, though. This person who grew up without air conditioning in hot Kansas summers now rushes quickly from one air conditioned environment to the next. An hour weeding the garden leaves me feeling ill. Have I become soft? Is this change due to climate change? Aging? Probably all three.

This dichotomy of “haves” and “have nots” will eventually disappear as seniors who did not adapt pass on, but for now know that we at SRC understand. We are looking into hosting very basic instruction for seniors who have never used anything more technical than a land line (that’s a phone connected by a cord to a phone jack in the wall, in case “land line” is an unfamiliar term). Watch for more information to come.

My failure to adapt to summertime is, fortunately, rather unusual for me. I have learned to live in many different cultures, function with paperless records, drive a stick shift, and turn on my home devices remotely from my phone. Unlike my mother, who had difficulty adapting from a wringer washer to an automatic, I embrace technology and new inventions. While she would not switch from a percolator to a Mr. Coffee when she received one as a gift, I have happily learned how to operate machines and use systems that make life easier and results faster. Adaptation is a peculiar thing. For some who are resilient, change is normal. For others, change is bad, and that creates challenges for those of us who work with seniors. Some seniors have kept pace with technology, while others pride themselves on resisting change. Not long ago I had a conversation with a gentleman who bragged that he had never touched a computer and never would. As a result, we at the Senior Resource Center continue to provide information in both electronic and print formats. Some people resist change in all its forms, whether it be learning how to use a smart phone or changing views on a

August 2017


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LEGAL MATTERS - A Letter From District Attorney Charles Branson

Need Timely Legal Advice? Where Can You Turn? An ongoing challenge we have at the District Attorney’s Office is when we receive calls from Douglas County residents who may be very frustrated about a pending legal issue and they do not know where to turn for help. They may be frantic for answers, but the unfortunate reality is that our office is statutorily prohibited from providing private legal advice. Our office only represents the state of Kansas in legal matters and we cannot represent individuals. So what can we do to help? If callers do not have their own private attorney, we can refer them to publicly available resources. We want people to know what agencies they can contact when they need legal assistance. Fortunately, there are a few options that are available that can assist with an immediate need or initial consultation.

Kansas Bar Association (KBA) has an “Ask-A-Lawyer” program. You must have a debit/credit card and it is $2.00 per minute. They have a monthly “CallA-Lawyer” night that is free. It is held the second Thursday night of each month from 6-8 p.m. They also have a lawyer referral service. General Legal Issues 800-928-3111 ksbar.org [email protected] They may be able to provide you with the name and contact information of lawyers that work in the area in which you need assistance. They have public information pamphlets available and some are available in Spanish. Please see their website for important details. Kansas Legal Services (KLS) provides legal advice and representation at no cost or at reduced fees to income eligible individuals. A partial list of legal issues they can assist with include consumer/finance, criminal, housing, education, juvenile, employment, elder law, income maintenance, family, health, and individual rights. You must complete

Better Senior Living A publication of Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. Better Senior Living is published monthly and is available online and via mail by subscription. Editor: Executive Director: Printer:

Michelle Meier Dr. Marvel Williamson Minuteman Press, 1404 E 24th St B, Lawrence, KS 66044

an application for assistance. They also offer lawyer advice by phone for $3.00 per minute and they have some legal forms available on their website. Kansas Legal Services 800-723-6953 or 785-233-2068 kansaslegalservices.org For issues specific to Kansans 60 and older, the Elder Law Hotline is a project of KLS in partnership with the KBA. Hotline attorneys answer questions in civil cases for Kansans age 60 and older. Their webpage states cases may be referred to a local Senior Citizens Law Project attorney or a private attorney. Kansas Legal Services comes to the Senior Resource Center monthly. Call 785-842-0543 to schedule an appointment. Elder Law Hotline 1-888-353-5337 I hope if you find yourself in need of legal advice and if you do not already have a private attorney, that these resources may be of assistance to you or to a family member. If you have a legal issue that involves a consumer protection issue, please remember that our office has a consumer protection division. If you have a consumer complaint, please call our consumer division at 785-3302849. We are always ready to serve the citizens of Douglas County.

For advertising, calendar listings, or other content submissions, contact Michelle Meier at [email protected]. Senior Resource Center for Douglas County is funded by the Douglas County Mill Levy • Older Americans Act through the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging • Kansas Department on Aging • Kansas Department of Transportation • special grants • project income • fundraising activities • and your donations. Senior Resource Center for Douglas County does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or size. If you think that you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. 785-842-0543 • TDD: 1-800-766-3777 • Toll free: 1-877-295-3277 • www.YourSRC.org

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SRC Board of Directors Dr. Judy Wright, Chair Judy Bellome, Vice Chair Doni Mooberry, Treasurer Steve Tesdahl, Secretary

Hank Booth, Kay Brada, Kelly Calvert, Dr. Dennis Domer, Ernesto Hodison, Dr. Ellen Paulsen, Janet Prestoy, Dr. Maren Turner

August 2017

RETIREMENT FUND$

Revocable Trusts ARE Still Relevant By Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA

A revocable trust is a legal document designed to help you with both estate planning issues and managing your financial affairs while you are living. They were often used to protect assets from potential estate tax consequences. Since the estate tax exemption was raised a few years ago to over $5 million per person and is now indexed for inflation, many people think revocable living trusts aren’t as relevant as they once were as an estate planning tool. While it is true that far fewer people need revocable trusts for estate tax purposes, a revocable trust can still be extremely valuable for so many other reasons. Below is a real life example of a revocable trust in action: Over a year ago, “Opal” (not her real name) asked if a trust was right for her. Her total estate value was about $1 million. She had one child from whom she was estranged, so she planned to leave all of her assets to charity. Opal didn’t care if her estate went through probate when she died, so a trust really wasn’t of any value to her, right? Wrong! Luckily, last year Opal decided to have her attorney draft a complete estate plan which included, among other documents, a revocable trust and durable power of attorney. The bank received copies because she named its trust department to serve as her Successor Trustee and as her agent under a Durable Power of Attorney. Keep in mind, the bank was named to serve only in the event that she “resigned, became incapacitated, or died.” About two weeks ago, the bank received a phone call. Unfortunately, Opal had suffered a severe stroke and was found unconscious on the floor by one of her neighbors. Opal is now in a long-term care facility, and it is unknown whether she’ll ever return home.

is just the start of what the duties will be as a Successor Trustee. The trustee will take care of whatever may be necessary for Opal’s personal and financial needs, and it is the trustee’s duty to do what is in Opal’s best interests. Opal may not have understood a year ago how important a comprehensive estate plan might be for her. Now she knows first-hand how vital her planning was to her current situation. Absent those trust and power of attorney documents, she may have had to have a court-appointed conservator or guardian. If Opal is able to make a partial or full recovery and wants to assume responsibility over everything again, she can do so. However, if that doesn’t happen, Opal has already given her successor trustee the power to act on her behalf for whatever the next steps may be and, ultimately, to carry out her final wishes. Do you have a comprehensive, upto-date, estate plan in place? Don’t put off your planning for tomorrow. Talk to your attorney or trust officer now because, yes, it could happen to you. Remember, revocable trusts are relevant and are not just about tax savings anymore! The information in this article is not meant to be financial advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining financial planning advice from a financial planning professional. Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA is a Vice President & Trust Officer with Central Bank of the Midwest. Contact Barbara at 785-865-1065 or [email protected]. Central Bank of the Midwest’s Trust Department is at 300 West 9th St. in Lawrence.

Who now takes care of Opal’s house, cars, investments, bill payments, pets, and so forth? The bank’s trust officers do, and often provide such services for their clients. Since being notified, the trust officers have collected Opal’s mail. All of her future bills will come directly to them for payment. They removed the perishable food from her house, secured the property, arranged for lawn care, made care arrangements for her pets, and will arrange for her hay fields to be harvested. They have also notified all the places where she had accounts; their team of professional portfolio managers will soon be managing Opal’s investments. They will also make sure all insurance is current and tax returns are filed as required. This

August 2017


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Leisure and Learning Activities Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (SRC) offers programs for Douglas County residents in the second half of life. Classes and other activities sponsored by other groups are also listed here. • Register for SRC activities at the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County online at www.YourSRC.org or call 785-842-0543. • Register for Lawrence Parks & Rec Department (LPRD) activities online at www.lprd.org, or register at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., Lawrence, or call 785-832-7920.

EDUCATION

HEALTH & FITNESS

Civil War on the Western Frontier

August 14 - 19, Watkins Museum of History, 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence Costs vary from Free to $25 Douglas County commemorates our area’s Civil War history with programs, tours, and other activities. Join the Watkins Museum and Lawrence Parks & Recreation in an array of programs, tours and activities, from August 14 - 19, that will explore Quantrill’s raid and highlight our area’s territorial and Civil War history.

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE For a full description of each class or to register, go to http:// www.continuinged.ku.edu/osher/northeast.php. All courses are held at the Osher Institute, 1515 St. Andrews Dr, Lawrence, unless otherwise noted. Fees: $50 per course; income-based scholarships are available

Against All Odds: Six Courageous Women Artists Mondays, September 18 - October 2 These women pushed the boundaries of art in media, style, and subject matter.

German Settlements and Culture in Kansas

Thursdays, September 14-28 Did you know that 30 percent of Kansans claim German ancestry, and German is the most prevalent language after English and Spanish spoken in homes in 77 counties in Kansas?

Paul Laird Presents Stephen Schwartz: From Godspell to Wicked

Tuesdays, September 26 - October 10 Stephen Schwartz has carved out a distinctive Broadway and Hollywood career for more than four decades.

s Yoga for Every Body

Next session starts August 22 Tuesdays, 3 - 4 p.m. Carnegie Building, 200 W 9th St, Lawrence Fee $28/8 week sessions Gentle yoga improves joint movement and increases core and leg strength. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. This class runs in ongoing 8 week sessions. To register online, go to https://yoursrc.org/product/yogaevery-body/. For more information call 785-842-0543.

s Welcome to Medicare

Wednesday, August 16, 12 - 1 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence FREE New to Medicare? Join our Health & Human Services team as they present information on what to expect from the Medicare system at this informative session. Call 785842-0543 for more information.

AM Walking Club (LPRD)

Monday - Friday 7 - 9 a.m. East Lawrence Rec Center, 1245 E 15th St, Lawrence FREE Need exercise? Join others at two locations and get your heart pumping and have a great time building friendships with fellow walkers. For more information, contact Ross Schraeder at 785-832-7950.

Pickleball – Open Play

Monday - Friday Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence FREE Pickleball free play is offered at East Lawrence Recreation Center, as well as Sports Pavilion Lawrence throughout the year. For times and information regarding free play or dates of scheduled tournaments please contact the Adult Sports office at 785-832-7920 or email at adultsports@lawrenceks. org.

Senior Supper and Seminar

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an SRC Partner.

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Tuesday August 8; supper: 5:00 p.m., seminar: 6:00 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auditorium 325 Maine St, Lawrence August Topic: Immunizations for the Adult with Dr. Eric Huerter. Seniors are invited to come and dine at LMH for $5.50 and enjoy a healthy three course meal. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 785-505-5800 or e-mail [email protected].


August 2017

Leisure and Learning Activities SUPPORT GROUPS

s SRC Caregivers Support Group

First and Third Mondays, 2:15 - 3:45 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Meet with fellow and former caregivers in a safe haven to discuss challenges and issues surrounding being a caregiver of a senior.

JAAA Caregiver Support Group

First Wednesday of every month, August 1, 1 - 2 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 704 Eighth St, Baldwin City Support group for caregivers of individuals age 60 or older. Meet with other caregivers in your area that may be struggling with some of the same issues you face while caring for your loved one. Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging staff will be present to answer questions and provide assistance. For more information call 785-832-0754.

Grief Support Group

First and Third Mondays, August 7 & 21, 4 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St, Lawrence Facilitated by LMH Chaplain Angela Lowe. Meets in the LMH Chapel office, usually the first and third Mondays of each month. For more information, call 785-505-3140.

Better Breathers Club

Tuesday, August 8, 10 - 11 a.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Rehab Dept 330 Arkansas St, Lawrence This free education and support group is for those with chronic lung conditions and their support persons. Meeting takes place in the LMH Pulmonary Rehab Department, 3rd floor. For more information, call 785-505-2850.

LAWRENCE PARKS & RECREATION (LPRD) Fundamentals of Estate Planning (LPRD)

Tuesday, August 15, 2-3:30 p.m. Carnegie Building, Heritage Room, 200 W 9th St, Lawrence How will your property be distributed at your death, and who will be in charge of the distribution? If you have minor children, who will become their guardian? How can you use a trust to ensure assets are safeguarded and used for the benefit of a beneficiary? How can you name the people to handle your finances and make medical decisions if you are alive but incapacitated? Fundamentals of Estate Planning answers these questions and more. The seminar is relevant to adults of all ages, not just seniors. It is free and open to the public, and lasts about 1½ hours with time for questions. Those attending get a free copy of the book Estate Planning Overview. For more information call 785832-1175. No pre-registration required.

August 2017

The 2nd meeting of the SRC Caregivers Support Group will be August 28th due to the Great American Eclipse on August 21st. Cancer Support Group

Wednesday, August 16, 5:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center 330 Arkansas St # 105, Lawrence Join representatives from Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center for a general cancer support group. Open to anyone with any cancer diagnoses and/or others affected by their cancer. Meets third Wednesday of each month in the LMH Oncology Center. For more information, contact 785-505-2807 or e-mail [email protected].

Look Good, Feel Better

Wednesday August 16, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St, Lawrence “Look Good, Feel Better” is a non-medical public service workshop that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help manage any appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Services are provided at no charge by trained volunteer beauty professionals. Offered and supported by the American Cancer Society. Advance registration required. Call (785) 505-2807 to enroll.

Stroke Support Group

Third Tuesday, August 15, 4 - 5:30 p.m. LMH, 325 Maine St, Lawrence For those recovering from a stroke and/or their family and friends. For more information, call LMH Therapy Services at 785-505-2712.

ENTERTAINMENT O.U.R.S. Dances

Sundays, 6-9 p.m. Eagles Lodge, 1803 W 6th St, Lawrence $6 per person cover charge Dance to live country-themed music! Carry-in meal at 7:15.

s SCRABBLE Club – Open Play

1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. Clinton Place, 2125 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence

s Pool (Billiards)

Open for play Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence


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Leisure and Learning Activities

Recreation for All Generations

By Gayle Sigurdson, LPRD Recreation Programmer The summer months are often filled with vacations, visitors, and family. After catching up with your guests, there are usually activities that have been planned specifically to keep everyone entertained. Although a trip to a local park or sporting event can be part of a memorable visit, shared interests help build and maintain a relationship year round. Enjoying activities that span generations can help form meaningful relationships that also benefit society. Playing board games with children can assist in teaching communication and problem solving skills among families. An older adult who takes the time to mentor children provides a positive role model, and may dispel many of the generalizations about senior citizens. Sharing activities and cultural events promotes the transmission of traditions, values, and builds a sense of personal and societal identity. This exchange of interests is beneficial for seniors, too. When young people assist older adults in areas such as technology, they are teaching their elders to communicate online and via texting. This increases the likelihood of staying involved in the lives of children and grandchildren as they grow older. Children can also help seniors pursue interests in the face of health challenges. Why not have help maintaining the garden with someone who is able to do the heavy lifting? Seniors who spend time with younger people are often more hopeful for the future. A significant age gap isn’t necessary to make a difference. Adult children may find themselves with time to share an interest with their parents. Offering to drive parents and older friends to an event that they might otherwise not be able to attend allows them to continue enjoying a favorite interest. This time together strengthens relationships and creates a supportive community that eases the transition to caregiving, should it become necessary.

LIFELONG TRAVEL WITH LPRD For details and registration information on these trips, contact Gayle Sigurdson, Lifelong Recreation programmer at 785-832-7909 or [email protected].

Arbor Day Farm, August 23-24

Early Bird Price-through August 7 $263/dbl and $305/sgl Arbor Day Farm has 260 acres of natural beauty and outdoor exploration. This trip includes guided tours of this national historic landmark and historic mansion, as well as two wonders of Kansas, the Lewis and Clark Missouri Basin Interpretive Center and Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting.

Clydesdales and Criminals, September 27-28

Early Bird Price-through August 11: $275/dbl and $339/ sgl More than stories, we will learn of legends on this autumn tour. The Warm Springs Ranch, headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdales’ breeding operation, is paired with the historic Missouri State Penitentiary and Mitchell Car Museum.

Oil and Ranching in the Flint Hills, October 11

Registration deadline-September 27, $69 Explore the story of the Kansas ranchers, farmers, and oilmen who built their lives in the Flint Hills. Tour stops include the Coutts Museum of Art and Kansas Oil Museum, including a 1920’s historic oil boom town and collection of vintage operational oilfield equipment.

Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights, March 7-13, 2018 Registration Deadline-September 8, $3,599/dbl and $4, 099/sgl Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis — one of nature’s most dazzling light displays.

Each generation carries a unique perspective, which creates a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from one another. Exploring activities together can help dispel negative stereotypes, which can improve intergenerational relationships and benefit society as a whole. Make time to share leisure skills and interests with your family and friends, whoever they may be!

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August 2017

Leisure and Learning Activities PUBLIC EVENTS Senior Engagement Coordinating Council (SECC)

Every Third Monday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. Baldwin City Recreation Center, 705 High St, Baldwin City The SECC is a voluntary council guided by an elected chair and co-chair, meeting on a monthly basis to work on improving quality of life for Baldwin City seniors. Contact Brian Cramer at [email protected].

Estate Planning 101: Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney

Wednesday, August 9, 4:45 PM - Registration, 5:00- 6:00 PM - Program Maceli’s, 1030 New Hampshire St, Lawrence FREE You are cordially invited to learn more about the basics of estate planning and what all the terminology really means. Central Bank of the Midwest Trust professionals will guide you through what you need to know to be prepared and will be happy to answer questions you may have. The speakers will be Ken Frevert, MBA, AWMA, Sr. VP & Sr. Portfolio Manager; Gerald Gleason, J.D., VP & Trust Officer; and Barbara Braa, CTFA, MBA, VP & Trust Officer. RSVP appreciated to 785-865-1064 or trust.midwest@centralbank. net. Please let us know if you plan to attend!

August 2017

Kansas Senior Games

September 15-24 Multiple Locations, Topeka, KS Seniors from all over the state will compete in 20+ events including golf, track and field, tennis, swimming, and bocce ball to name a few. A tentative schedule of events for the Kansas Senior games can be found online at www. sunflowergames.com. Registration deadline is September 2, 2017. If you are looking for a partner/team to compete with at the 2017 Kansas Senior Games, email your contact information to [email protected] to be placed on KSG website.

STUFF: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things

Saturday, August 5, 3:00 PM Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence FREE Dr. Randy Frost is an internationally recognized expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding disorder and has published more than 170 scientific articles, books, and book chapters on these topics. This book is the backbone of the Buried in Treasures Workshops that have been found to produce significant improvements in hoarding behaviors and are now running in many locations around the world.


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Leisure and Learning Activities MUSIC

LIED CENTER PRESENTS

s New Horizons Band

Summer Break. Rehearsals will start back up September 8, 2017. Rehearsals at Brandon Woods Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Terr, Lawrence Fridays, 4-5 p.m. $5/yr. dues. Contact John Towner, 785865-3519, or [email protected].

s Intergenerational Choir

Currently holding Summer Sessions Rehearsals at Babcock Place, 1700 Massachusetts St, Lawrence Tuesdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Sing with KU students. Led by music therapy students from KU. The Intergenerational Choir rehearses weekly with at least one performance a semester. Contact Deanna Hanson-Abromeit at [email protected].

Junkyard Jazz

Every Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. American Legion, 3408 W 6th St, Lawrence Join the Junkyard Jazz Band every Thursday for an ongoing jazz jam session full of fan favorites and a full dance floor!

The Lied Center of Kansas serves the state’s flagship university, students and the greater community by functioning as a catalyst for the arts, creativity, engagement, and community building through diverse, relevant, and world-class artists. Buy tickets online at https://ticketweb.lss.ku.edu or call 785864-2787. Senior citizens (age 62 and over) and active military (ID required) save 10% off the full-priced adult ticket cost for Lied Series Auditorium performances only. Parking at the Lied Center is free on weekdays after 5 pm and all day on the weekend.

Emmet Cohen, solo piano

September 18 and 19, 7:30 p.m. $11 - $35

Black Violin

Friday, September 22 $20 - $35

Kenny Rogers’ Final World Tour Sunday, September 24 $50 - $75

KU Symphony Orchestra with guest Simone Porter Thursday, September 28 $25

Tango Buenos Aires: Spirit of Argentina Friday, September 29 $25 - $40

The Lied Center is an SRC Partner.

ART ART

s Tuesday Painters

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – noon SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence FREE Bring your own painting project and supplies. 785-8420543.

s Acrylic Painting

2nd & 4th Sat. each month, 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Clinton Place, 2125 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence Fee $20 per session. Drop in sessions for beginners and experienced painters. No registration required. 785-842-0543.

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August 2017

CAREGIVERS CORNER

Put Your Mask On First! Care for the Caregiver By Janet Ikenberry

We know that people are living longer and that most want to remain in their own homes, but as health and abilities decline many people need help to make that wish a reality. That help usually comes from a spouse, adult child, another relative, or close friend. The number of Americans caring for an aging family member is staggering – around 34.2 million, according to a 2015 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregivers are everywhere. They come from all walks of life. These “informal” or unpaid caregivers often don’t think of themselves as such. They’re just doing what needs to be done for the people they love by helping with housework, yardwork, grocery shopping, meal preparation, managing medications, bill paying, etc. Does this sound familiar to you? If it does, you are a caregiver. How would you complete the following statement? Providing care for my aging family member is ___________. a. Rewarding b. Challenging c. Exhausting d. All of the above (and more) I believe that most caregivers would answer “d.” While caregiving is not for the faint of heart, it is definitely worth the effort.

oxygen mask before you attempt to assist others. You can’t help anyone else if you pass out. Likewise, as a caregiver, what will happen to the loved one you’re caring for if something happens to you? Take time for yourself. Do something you love. Pay attention to your health. Ask for and accept help from others. Find a support group. At SRC, our Caregiver Support Group meets the first and third Mondays of each month from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m., here at our temporary location at Peaslee Tech, 2920 Haskell Ave. (The second August meeting will be on Aug. 28 due to the eclipse on Aug. 21.) Caregivers have the opportunity to share their concerns and seek advice from other caregivers who truly understand. If you’d like more information about the Caregiver Support Group or about community resources, please give me a call. We’re here to help. Janet Ikenberry is the Director of Health and Human Services at SRC. She has been with the agency for over 24 years and is the facilitator of SRC’s Caregiver Support Group. Janet can be reached at 785-842-0543 or [email protected]

A caregiver’s “job description” continually changes as the physical and/or cognitive abilities of the loved one decline. This may happen gradually or may be accelerated by a crisis of some kind. Many caregivers are reluctant to accept help, thinking they should be able to do it all, or that no one else can provide the same level of care for their loved one as they do. However, as the time commitment and responsibilities grow, caregivers can find themselves overwhelmed. It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s advisable and in many cases, completely necessary to increase the circle of care. That may mean including other relatives, friends, professional caregivers, or any combination of all the options. It is in the best interest of all concerned for caregivers to pay attention to their own needs and to take care of themselves. Everyone needs time to recharge. There is a frequent comparison between caregivers and passengers on an airplane during a crisis. When the oxygen masks fall, the flight attendant always tells you to put on your

August 2017


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SENIOR ROMANCE, SEX, & RELATIONSHIPS: ADVICE FOR GROWN-UPS Q: I am 70 years old and my husband is 73. I have lost my sex drive. My husband’s has slowed down some, but he is still interested. Should I accommodate his wishes or should he accommodate mine? A: Female sex drive is complicated and has been made even more confusing by some faulty theories about libido. Here are the facts. First, sex drive is primarily hormone based in men. Their desire for sex is boosted by testosterone, which does not decline significantly with aging. Female hormones (which do not stimulate sex drive anyway) decline sharply with menopause. The peak of male sex drive is in early adulthood, but declines very slowly throughout life, never disappearing completely as long as the man remains in good health and suffers no issues affecting libido. Women do have peaks and valleys of sexual interest, but even in their strongest times never come close to the level of desire men experience. While women may have sexual dreams and an occasional spontaneous sexual thought, there is no comparison to the frequency of such events in men. Yes, women can sometimes want sex first, but typically the desire is stronger and sooner in men. The reasons for your loss of sex drive could be due to many factors: fatigue, pain during sex, difficulties caused by an aging body, gradual loss of the affection connection with your husband, a belief that sex is for making babies, and many others. The question you asked, though, is whose wishes should be granted? That question makes it sound like you think your sex drive is gone forever, and you don’t want it back. Underlying it may be a faulty assumption that female sex drive spontaneously occurs without effort, as it does in men. Since women do not have the benefit of testosterone in large quantities, they may not desire sex until the right stimulus invokes a sexual response. Factors that affect female sex drive are more extrinsic than intrinsic, coming from feelings of intimacy, love, romance, and—let’s get real here—visual cues or physical contact designed to produce sexual arousal.

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Said another way, in men the sequence is desire first, then arousal. In women, arousal often comes first, and only then does the desire for sex begin. Therefore, you have to start by just being willing to have sex. If you remain open to it and let yourself enjoy the pleasure, the desire will often follow. Just as women would not deny their husbands food when they are hungry, wives should not deny them sex. Sex is a physical hunger for men, something women do not typically experience. Unlike some mammals that go into “heat,” human females have sex for other reasons unrelated to sexual hunger. So what if you’re not in the mood? Consider it a gift of love. In addition to showing you care about your husband’s needs, you too will benefit. You can appreciate the connection and affection, it’s good for your physical health, and it feeds your relationship. You just might enjoy it too, especially if you gently teach your husband how to touch you in ways that boost your desire. Send your questions to [email protected]. Names and identifying information will be removed. Questions may be edited. Answers are written by qualified licensed/certified health care professionals. Answers cannot be personalized for individuals and are intended for general information only.


August 2017

LEGALESE by Molly Wood, JD Q: I’ve heard in the news that Medicare is going broke, which is terrifying, if true. Is it? A: Mark Twain supposedly said: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Every year, the trustees of the Medicare hospital trust fund are required to make a report, and this year was no exception. On July 13, 2017, the trustees noted that the trust fund will be insolvent by 2029, which is one year later than last year’s estimate. Also of note, 2029 is 12 years longer than projected estimates before the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) became law because additional taxes on high wage earners (over $200,000 for a single person and over $250,000 for a married couple) were implemented with the ACA. In 2016, Medicare covered 56.8 million people, an increase of 1.5 million people from 2015. Total expenditures from the part of the Medicare hospital trust fund that covers hospital expenses (Part A) were $678.7 billion, up from $647.6 billion in 2015. However, the fund’s total income was $710.2 billion, a modest surplus which is expected to continue through 2022. The part of the trust fund that finances Parts B and D, paying doctors and prescription drugs, respectively, is expected to be adequately funded indefinitely, mostly because income for these parts is reset each year to cover expected costs and ensure a reserve for contingencies. This part of the Medicare trust is not going broke, at least not anytime soon. “Insolvent” is probably an overstatement, depending upon how far in the future one looks. The trustees’ report itself notes: “Projections of Medicare costs are highly uncertain, especially when looking out more than several decades.” The trend indicates that we do have a long-term solvency problem. The combination of a population bulge that is moving into Medicare eligibility compounded by increasing health care costs, plus the increasing treatment options and technology, means that Medicare will go broke in the long term if additional financing changes are not adopted in anticipation. The sooner solutions are enacted, the more flexible and gradual they can be. The early introduction of reforms increases the time available for affected individuals and organizations, including health care providers, beneficiaries, and taxpayers, to adjust their expectations and behavior. What kind of reforms? Potential reforms would have to include reduced benefits, increased taxes, increased premiums,

August 2017

or any combination of these changes. For example, if everyone enrolled in Medicare paid $100 per month for Part A the solvency of the part of the Medicare hospitalization fund would immediately be extended an estimated 19 years. This is a significant jump as most enrollees currently pay zero for Part A and only pay premiums for Part B, Part D, or supplemental “Medigap” insurance. This approach would probably have to be combined with some assistance for low and moderate income beneficiaries, structured perhaps like the Medicare buy-in in which Medicaid pays the Part B premium and similar to the “zero premium” prescription for Part D drug insurance plan. Another example of potential reform would be to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower rates, similar to the system currently used by the Veterans Administration to reduce drug costs for veterans. We could continue what the ACA started by eliminating incentive payments to Medicare Advantage plans, allowing them to compete with “Original” Medicare, fair and square. There’s no dearth of ideas, and maybe we have to be scared of going broke before we’ll do anything. I hope not. Molly M. Wood is a partner at Stevens & Brand, LLP, in Lawrence, Kansas, where she confines her practice to Elder Law, especially seniors with long-term care issues. If you have a legal question or concern, call the Kansas Elder Law Hotline, a toll-free legal advice and referral service for Kansas Seniors, 888-353-5337. An Elder Law Project attorney is available in Lawrence by appointment at Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, 785-842-0543.

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Pay for Senior Wheels Punch Cards on our website and one of our drivers will deliver your pass at your next scheduled ride.

CITY Punch Cards $40 y COUNTY Punch Cards $60 Go to www.YourSRC.org Search for Punch Card Each Punch Card includes one FREE Bonus Ride!


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Leo Bracciano Recognized for Many Years of Service Leo Bracciano “retired” in June from his volunteer position with our Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program. Leo was already a seasoned SHICK volunteer when he started answering the SHICK statewide toll-free hotline in the Lawrence call center that was set up at the United Way Building in February of 2002. Nearly every Thursday morning since then, Leo has answered calls and helped innumerable Medicare beneficiaries with their questions and concerns. In recognition of his service and dedication, Leo was presented with the inaugural Senior Resource Center “Leo Bracciano Award.” The award will be presented to outstanding SHICK volunteers on a continuing basis. SHICK is a volunteer program designed to help Medicare beneficiaries by providing information and education. SRC is currently recruiting new volunteers for this rewarding opportunity. Please contact Lori Phillips for more information at [email protected] or call 785-727-7874.

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Above: Leo Bracciano with wife Nan at his “retirement” party at the SHICK Call Center. Left: Leo answering phones at a 2004 SHICK call in event at 13 NEWS in Topeka.


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