senior living - Senior Resource Center | Douglas County

Better SENIOR LIVING February 2018

Inside This Issue Moments with Marvel........ Page 3 Eudora! Legal Matters.................... Page 4 A Look at Cryptocurrency Retirement FUND$............ Page 5 How Much Investment Risk Can You Take? Leisure & Learning Activities ................................. Pages 6 - 15 Caregiver Corner............. Page 17 Reasons for Declining Hygiene in Older Adults Fit & Active...................... Page 18 The Pursuit of Happiness Legalese.......................... Page 19 When Skilled Nursing Says You Are Being “Discharged” Senior Romance, Sex, and Relationships.................... Page 20 Normal Aging or ED?

THIS ISSUE PROVIDED TO ALL EUDORA SENIORS

FREE BY SRC

www.YourSRC.org

Ruth Hughs: Born Leader and Eudora Trailblazer By Michelle Meier, Editor

Longtime residents of Eudora are probably familiar with the name Ruth Hughs. She has lived in the small Douglas County community since 1972 when she moved back to her native state to teach. From then on, Hughs has built on her roots in faith, 4H, and community that paved the way for her to become a strong community leader and Eudora’s first female Mayor.

This development set Eudora on a path of expansion to become a bedroom community. This was positive growth for the small city and ensured that Hughs’ leadership skills would transcend her role as an educator to leader and were instrumental in paving the way for the Eudora school district to excel in a time of rapid growth. This ensured the residents of Eudora were afforded a high quality of life, both inside and Hughs credits growing up on a outside of the classroom. She farm as well as her involvement says “We have some of the in 4H in Ashland, KS, where best school facilities in the she was born and raised for state, hiring highly qualified much of her success both Ruth Hughs calls teachers and administrators to order her personally and professionally. to lead us to excellence. The first meeting as Coming from a very small city administration and school Eudora Mayor. rural community in southwest administration work diligently Kansas, Hughs grew up a farm to join forces in providing our girl with personal responsibilities that citizens with a high quality of life.” defied stereotypical gender roles. From bucking hay bales, driving a tractor, After retiring in 2004, Hughs wanted irrigating the crops, and caring for to continue her commitment to the the animals on the family farm, Hughs city of Eudora and approached the was expected to help out and do what superintendent of schools with the needed to be done. Being a farm girl idea of implementing a mentoring naturally led her to involvement in 4H, program for newly hired teachers. This which further enhanced her skills in set the stage for her second career public speaking and leadership. as a community leader. In 2010, she took her role as leader to the next As an adult, Hughs found her passion level in 2010 when she added City in teaching, brought that passion to Commissioner to her list of leadership Eudora in 1972, and started a 32-year accolades. In 2013, Hughs became career teaching generations of Eudora Eudora’s first female Mayor, a role she third graders. Since her arrival in the held as a distinct honor. Eudora community over 45 years ago, Hughs has seen the community double Hughs now serves as Vice Mayor of in size with the development and Eudora and continues to help create upgrade of K-10 to provide freeway the highest quality of life for all access beyond Lawrence into the residents of Eudora. Recently Hughs Kansas City area. (Hughs, continued on page 16)

785-842-0543 • Temporary Location: 2920 Haskell Ave • Mailing Address: 745 Vermont St • Lawrence, KS 66044

Eudora Senior Center Events are FREE unless noted.

HAMMERT BUILDING 706 MAIN ST Monthly Activities

2nd Tuesdays SHICK Medicare Counseling 1 – 3 PM

Weekly Activities

Thursdays Exercise with Brian Fassold 11:30 AM – Noon Thursdays Open Play Cards & Games 1:00 – 4:40 PM

Final Fridays KU School of Music Concert 6 PM

February Activities

Valentine’s Dance February 9 6 – 7:30 PM

For more information call 785-218-2422 www.hammertbuilding.org

The end of life deserves as much beauty, care and respect as the beginning

Trust in Visiting Nurses Hospice to provide your loved one with compassionate end-of-life care All Your Home Care Needs Under One Roof Home Health | Rehabilitation | Hospice | Help at Home (785) 843-3738 | www.KansasVNA.org Page 2

Better Senior Living

February 2018

Moments with Marvel

Eudora!

By Dr. Marvel Williamson, Executive Director, Senior Resource Center for Douglas County As Douglas County’s designated central repository of information to help seniors find the services and opportunities they want and need, the Senior Resource Center (SRC) has been facilitating countywide strategic planning on senior issues. Taking a long view approach to the process, periodic Senior Summits are held to address concerns revealed by putting together the comprehensive database of services. Last summer, Eudora emerged as a geographic area where seniors might need more supportive services, events, and coordination among existing resources. Therefore, a Senior Summit was held on September 2017 about Eudora. The Summit was attended by 110 Eudora residents and service providers, who met in focus groups to discuss such questions as: What are the top three challenges faced by Eudora seniors? Do seniors have adequate access to food and transportation? How is information communicated to Eudora seniors? The White Paper “Senior Summit II: Eudora, Report and Recommendations” resulted from that Summit. (For a copy, email [email protected].) Major recommendations, each with specific action steps, included: 1. Establish an Advisory Committee for Eudora Seniors. 2. Launch a Eudora Senior Center. 3. Provide a Eudora-dedicated Senior Wheels vehicle to provide transportation for Eudora seniors. 4. Utilize and expand existing opportunities to communicate with Eudora seniors. 5. Offer a meal and speaker event to Eudora seniors on a regularly scheduled, ongoing basis. 6. Appoint a commission to conduct a feasibility study for creation of a retirement community in Eudora. 7. Explore how some resources and services could be shared with the Eudora Public School district. 8. Provide financial assistance to Eudora seniors that keeps them in their homes longer. Since that time, SRC has been working in collaboration with the City of Eudora, the Eudora Chamber of Commerce, Eudora Public Schools, churches, MedicaLodges, Eudora Parks & Rec, and others to gauge interest in moving forward with several initiatives. On Jan. 31, the Advisory Committee for Eudora Seniors (ACES) met for the first time to establish a formal group to coordinate and facilitate ongoing efforts. A Eudora Senior Center has opened at 706 Main in Eudora, thanks to the generosity of Drs. Michael and Mary Kirkendoll. Many events for seniors are already underway there, including space for casual social interaction and card or table games. SRC will provide some services from that location, as well as others.

February 2018

The Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAAA) has been trying to establish a Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors (CHAMPSS) site in Eudora without success. JAAA has decided instead to measure interest in an organization taking the responsibility of providing congregate meals. A call for proposals has been issued. For information on this process, contact JAAA at 785- 235-1367. Since no single method of communication exists in Eudora, SRC’s Better Senior Living has stepped forward to provide that important centralized way to publicize information and events. You may notice in this issue, which is going to every Eudora household with a senior, an increase in the number of such notices. My staff and I at SRC are pleased to have been instrumental in making significant progress in addressing this identified area of need. If you know of another significant issue affecting Douglas County seniors that we should investigate, please let me know.

Eudora Senior

Monthly Potluck and Speaker Series for All Eudora Seniors

WHEN

2nd Friday, February 9 11:30 AM (Eat at Noon)

Bring a dish or two to share. Tableware and beverages provide

WHERE

St. Paul United Church of Christ 738 Church St, Eudora For more information or to Volunteer to help call 785-727-7880

Sponsored by the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County


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LEGAL MATTERS - A Letter From District Attorney Charles Branson

A Look at Cryptocurrency

It isn’t cold, hard cash and it isn’t board game money, so what the heck is it? My Consumer Protection Unit has not yet received any local complaints regarding cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. However, as the news stories explode about Bitcoin and its current value, and as community awareness of the existence of cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, it will simply be a matter of time before scammers try to cheat consumers through deception, lies, and outright theft. Cryptocurrency is too complex to provide a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts, but I want to help Douglas County residents have a basic understanding of cryptocurrency. What Is Cryptocurrency? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), cryptocurrency is a way to buy things online, or in person, using a mobile app, with sellers who

agree to accept them. It can be a fast and inexpensive way to pay for goods and services, but it is hit and miss on what businesses accept cryptocurrency. Many forms of cryptocurrency utilize something called a blockchain (defined below) before each of its individual transactions are finalized. The blockchain facilitates transactions and it is what eliminates the need for the financial institutions we are familiar with, such as banks. What is a Blockchain? The quick definition of blockchain is that it is the decentralized manner in which a transaction occurs for some forms of cryptocurrency - such as Bitcoin. A transaction is logged and it becomes viewable on a public (internet) ledger. The ledger is a dynamically evolving listing of all peer-to-peer transactions that occur within that specific form of cryptocurrency. The blockchain allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied and it does not create a monetary trail of transactions, what we would expect when depositing or withdrawing money from our corner bank. Is Cryptocurrency Kept in Your Wallet? No, at least not the physical wallet we are accustomed to holding in our hand.

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

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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What Are Some of the Risks? Cryptocurrencies are not backed by a government or central bank and they are not insured the way U.S. bank deposits are. They have value because the users agree they have value. (That fact alone would concern me.) The value of the various cryptocurrencies rise and fall, sometimes sharply, depending on demand. If the value goes down, there is no guarantee it will ever rise again. Payments made with virtual currencies are not reversible and users do not have the same legal (Cryptocurrency, continued on pg. 16)

SRC Board of Directors

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:

The FTC explains that cryptocurrency users store their currency in a “wallet” either on a computer or other data storage device or through an online wallet service. Users must remember to encrypt their wallets and back them up. If their cryptocurrency wallet files are accidently deleted, tampered with by a virus, or stolen, their funds may be gone forever, and the same is true if the company behind their digital wallet fails or is hacked. Interestingly, Bitcoin users have both private and public virtual keys and those keys are the ONLY way users can use or transfer their Bitcoins.


Janet Prestoy, Chair Ernesto Hodison, Vice Chair Doni Mooberry, Treasurer Steve Tesdahl, Secretary

Hank Booth, Carol Bowen, Kay Brada, Dr. Maren Turner, Dr. Judy Wright

Paid advertising from outside entities in Better Senior Living does not reflect the policies or views of or indicate endorsement by the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. February 2018

RETIREMENT FUND$

How Much Investment Risk Can You Take? By Jason Walker, CFTA, MBA

Many market shocks are short-lived once investors conclude the event is unlikely to cause lasting economic damage. Still, major market downturns such as the 2000 dot-com bust and the 2008-09 credit crisis are powerful reminders that we cannot control or predict exactly how, where, or when precarious situations will arise. Market risk refers to the possibility that an investment will lose value because of a broad decline in the financial markets, which can be the result of economic or sociopolitical factors. Investors who are willing to accept more investment risk may benefit from higher returns in the good times, but they also get hit harder during the bad times. A more conservative portfolio generally means there are fewer highs, but also fewer lows. Your portfolio’s risk profile should reflect your ability to endure periods of market volatility, both financially and emotionally. Here are some questions that may help you evaluate your personal relationship with risk. How much risk can you afford? Your capacity for risk generally depends on your current financial position (income, assets, and expenses) as well as your age, health, future earning potential, and time horizon. Your time horizon is the length of time before you expect to tap your investment assets for specific financial goals. The more time you have to keep the money invested, the more likely it is that you can ride out the volatility associated with riskier investments. An aggressive risk profile may be appropriate if you’re investing for a retirement that is many years away. However, investing during retirement may call for a more conservative approach. However, it is possible to be TOO cautious during retirement. How much risk may be needed to meet your goals? lf you know how much money you need to invest and can estimate how much you will need in the future, then it’s possible to calculate a “required return” (and a corresponding level of risk) for your investments. Older retirees who have sufficient income and assets to cover expenses for the rest of their lives may not need to expose their savings to risk. On the other hand, some risk-averse individuals may need to invest more aggressively to accumulate enough money for retirement and offset another risk: that inflation could erode the purchasing power of their assets over the long term.

February 2018

How much risk are you comfortable taking? Some people seem to be born risk takers, whereas others are cautious by nature, but an investor’s true psychological risk tolerance can be difficult to assess. Some people who describe their personality a certain way on a questionnaire may act differently when they are tested by real events. Moreover, an investor’s attitude toward risk can change over time, with experience and age. New investors may be more fearful of potential losses. Investors who have experienced the cyclical and ever-changing nature of the economy and investment performance may be more comfortable with short-term market swings. Brace yourself Market declines are an inevitable part of investing, but abandoning a sound investment strategy in the heat of the moment could be detrimental to your portfolio’s long-term performance. One thing you can do to strengthen your mindset is to anticipate scenarios in which the value of your investments were to fall by 20% to 40%. If you become overly anxious about the possibility of such a loss, it might be helpful to reduce the level of risk in your portfolio. Otherwise, having a plan in place could help you manage your emotions when turbulent times arrive. (The information in this article is not meant to be financial advice. This information should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining financial planning advice from a financial planning professional.) Jason Walker, CFTA, MBA is a Vice President & Trust Officer with the Trust Company in Lawrence. Contact Jason at 785-371-9555 or [email protected]. The Trust Company offices are located at 333 W 9th St, Ste A in Lawrence.


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Leisure and Learning Activities Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (SRC) offers information on programs available for seniors across the county. All leisure and learning opportunities are open to all Douglas County residents, unless otherwise noted. Offerings available specifically through the Senior Resource Center are noted with a all SRC offerings at www.YourSRC.org or by calling 785-842-0543.

s before SRC listings. You can register for

SUPPORT GROUPS

s SRC Caregivers Support Group

Monday, February 5 & Thursday, February 22, 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.

s NEW! Support Group for Spouses of Dementia Patients

Second Thursday, February 8, 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Senior Resource Center, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Join other spouses in a support group dedicated to partners who are caring for someone with dementia. This group will provide a safe place to share your concerns, discuss caregiving issues and solutions, and learn about additional resources available in the community.

JAAA Caregiver Support Group

First Wednesday, February 7, 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, February 5 & 19, 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

Second Tuesday, February 13, 10 - 11 a.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pulmonary Rehab Dept 330 Arkansas St, Lawrence This month’s topic: “Goals of Care.” 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.

Cancer Support Group

Third Wednesday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Oncology Center 330 Arkansas St # 105, Lawrence Join representatives from Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s 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

Third Wednesday, February 21, 5:30 – 7:00 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, February 20, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Conference Room D South 325 Maine St, Lawrence Join us in sharing experiences and ideas about life changes brought on by stroke. Monthly meetings include informal and formal presentations on treatments and services available for stroke survivors and their loved ones. For more information please contact Trena Triplett at 785505-2712 or [email protected].

VETERANS AFFAIRS

s VETERANS AFFAIRS

BY APPOINTMENT 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, February 14 & 28, 9 a.m. – Noon SRC Consultation Room, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Clint Olson from the KS Commission on Veterans Affairs Office will be available for senior veterans at the SRC offices twice a month. Contact Clint Olson for immediate assistance or to set up an appointment at 785-843-5233 or [email protected].

SRC activities are noted with a s. Page 6


February 2018

Leisure and Learning Activities ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE PERFORMANCES

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 & 4th Thursdays, 1 - 4 p.m. Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. Clinton Place, 2125 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence

February 22 - March 4 Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence $25 Adult/$18 Senior/$12 Student A new twist on a timeless classic. Enjoy The Wizard of Oz with a re-imagined in an exciting new design, 1920’s style. A local production with lots of heart, it will be a wondrous evening of enchanting music, stunning choreography, and sensational performances.

Ring of Fire

s Pool (Billiards)

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

SRC closed February 19th for President’s Day

February 2018

The Wizard of Oz

March 2 - 11, Audio Described Performance: March 10 & 11 Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Dr, Lawrence $26.99 From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. More than two dozen classic hits--including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Folsom Prison Blues” tell Johnny Cash’s remarkable life story in a foot-stompin’, crowd pleasin’ salute!

SRC activities are noted with a s.


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Leisure and Learning Activities LIED CENTER PRESENTS 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 785-864-2787. 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.

Jersey Boys

Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. $40-55 Adult, $21-29 Youth This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history, The Four Seasons. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds, and sold 175 million records worldwide—all before they were 30!

Dublin Irish Dance: Stepping Out

Sunday, February 18, 2:00 p.m. $25 - 40 Adult, $14 - 21 Youth A talented cast brings to life the epic tale of Celtic culture, carrying its traditional melodies and steps to the new world with a gala celebration of Irish music and dance. The journey begins in rural Ireland, prior to the famine, in kitchens, barns, and fields. As the great hunger closes in, the people look west, across the ocean to New York City. The journey leads us to the present moment, celebrating the incredible evolution of Irish traditional dance and music—showcasing the new pioneers who will define the new standard of traditional Irish music and dance.

The Sound of Music

Tuesday, February 20, 7:30 p.m. $40-55 Adult, $21-29 Youth A brand new production of The Sound of Music is coming to the Lied Center of Kansas. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy, and Academy Awardwinning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and the title song.

Janis Siegel w/ piano

Monday, February 26 & Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. $35 Adult, $19 Youth Over the past four and a half decades, the voice of Janis Siegel, a nine-time Grammy winner and a seventeen-time Grammy nominee, has been an undeniable force in The Manhattan Transfer’s diverse musical catalog. Alongside her career as a founding member of this musical institution, Siegel has also sustained a solo career that has spawned almost a dozen finely-crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects, amassed a large international fan base, and garnered consistently high critical praise.

UNVEILED: A One Woman Play

The Lied Center is an SRC Partner.

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Thursday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. $25 Adult, $14 Youth Five Muslim women in a post-9/11 world serve tea and uncover what lies beneath the veil. This critically acclaimed one-woman show, performed by Rohina Malik, has been presented at universities, churches, mosques, synagogues, and theaters in the United States, Canada and South Africa.


February 2018

Leisure and Learning Activities ART

MUSIC

s New Horizons Band

Weekly Rehearsals, Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m. Rehearsals at Brandon Woods Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Terr, Lawrence $5/yr. dues. Contact John Towner, 785-865-3519, or [email protected]. February 2 Rehearsal February 9 Performance, Pioneer Ridge Health & Rehab, 4851 Harvard, Lawrence February 16 Performance, 6 p.m., Brandon Woods Smith Center, 1501 Inverness Dr, Lawrence February 20 Performance, Free State High School, 4700 Overland Dr, Lawrence February 23 Rehearsal

Happy 90th Birthday John Towner Director, New Horizons Band Intergenerational Choir

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 will rehearse and perform once or twice a semester. Contact Deanna HansonAbromeit 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!

In Memory of Robert “Bob” Friauf

s Tuesday Painters

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence 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.

Sunflower Basket Weaving Guild

Third Saturdays, September 16, Noon - 5 p.m. Eudora Community Recreation Center, 1630 Elm Street, Eudora The Sunflower Basket Weaving Guild is dedicated to the art of basket weaving while providing an outlet for making friends and sharing ideas, talents, and experiences. New weavers are welcome. Please let us know and we will make a plan to help you get started. For more information contact Emily Brown at 816-524-5755.


Bob Friauf was a founding member of the New Horizons Band of Lawrence that started in 1996. Soon after this band began, Bob started the Clarinet Quartet, which rehearsed before every band practice and performed at every band concert. He delighted in playing regularly in the bands right up to his death. A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate the life of Robert Friauf will be held on February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, Kansas. A luncheon reception will follow at the church.

February 2018


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Leisure and Learning Activities HEALTH & FITNESS

s Yoga for Every Body

Next session starts March 6 Tuesdays, 3 - 4 p.m. Carnegie Building, 200 W 9th St, Lawrence $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

First Wednesday, February 7, 12 - 1 p.m. Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, 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.

s Eudora SHICK Counseling

2nd Tuesday, February 13, 1 - 3 p.m. 706 Main, Eudora FREE Counseling sessions with a certified Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) volunteer available by appointment to review your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan coverage. Call 785-727-7872 to schedule your appointment.

Healthy Hearts Fair

Saturday, February 17, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Atrium 330 Arkansas St, Lawrence FREE Information on hypertension, diet, weight control, fitness, smoking cessation, cardiovascular disease risk, diabetes, and more. Free screenings for blood pressure, body mass index, finger stick glucose, and more. The Annual Healthy Heart Fair lipid profile includes the following tests: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratios. The cost of the lipid profile is $20 if pre-registered by 2/9/18 or $25 on the day of the Fair. For more information contact Allison Koonce, Community Ed Specialist, at 785505-3081.

Rhythm & Moves

Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 9 – March 15, 10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence Class specifically designed for Parkinson’s patients. March, box, use drumming sticks, navigate obstacle courses and agility ladders, and pass and throw balls. To register, visit www.lmh.org/parkinsons/.

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Twist & Shout

Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 9 – March 15, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m. Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence Stretch, twist, and perform other movements to challenge yourself physically and vocally in this class designed for Parkinson’s patients. To register, visit, www.lmh.org/ parkinsons/.

AM Walking Club (LPRD)

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

Pickleball – Open Play (LPRD)

Monday - Friday East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E 15th St, Lawrence 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 adultsports@lawrenceks. org.

Senior Supper and Seminar

Second Tuesday, February 20; supper: 5:00 p.m., seminar: 6:00 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auditorium 325 Maine St, Lawrence Fee: $5.50 This month’s topic is “Speaking from the Heart: How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.” Seniors are invited to come and dine at LMH for $5.50 and enjoy a healthy three course meal prepared by the Unidine chefs, plus conversation with others. After the meal, there will be a short educational program on a health or wellness topic of interest to older adults. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 785-505-5800 or e-mail [email protected].


All events are open to all Douglas County Residents unless noted otherwise.


February 2018

Leisure and Learning Activities OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a part of KU Professional & Continuing Education. Osher is committed to creating accessible and innovative learning environments throughout Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area, with special focus on participants age 50 and over, although anyone can participate. 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.

The Spiritual Disciplines that Jews, Christians, and Muslims Share

The Home Front during World War II

Thursdays, March 1 – 15, 7 – 9 p.m. Throughout time the adherents of these three faith groups have tended to their souls through the same spiritual disciplines: fixed-hour prayer, sacred day, sacred meal, fasting, giving, pilgrimage, and the observance of sacred seasons. Class sessions will focus on specific spiritual disciplines and how they are understood and practiced in each faith group.

The World’s Greatest Short Stories

Tuesdays, March 6 - 20, 7 - 9 p.m. Read and discuss a wide variety of the world’s best-loved stories ranging geographically from the United States to Latin America, Europe, and Russia, and historically from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Discover how great literature helps us, in X. J. Kennedy’s words, “to leap over the wall of self, to look through another’s eyes.”

Presidential Assassins: Men and Women Driven to Kill Mondays, March 12 - 26, 7 - 9 p.m. There have been 28 documented assassination attempts on 22 sitting or former presidents or presidents-elect. This course will discuss them all and closely examine the men... and women...who killed (or tried to kill) the president of the United States.

Wednesday, March 21 – April 4, 2 - 4 p.m. Senior Resource Center, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence World War II changed everything and everyone. Women were allowed to work in factories for the war effort. Rosie the Riveter built airplanes, ships, and tanks for the Armed Forces. Learn how the “Greatest Generation” toughened and hardened during the Great Depression, and excelled on the home front as well as in the theaters of war.

The Geography of Kansas: What Dorothy Didn’t Know About a Place Called Home

Thursdays, March 22 - April 5, 2 - 4 p.m. Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Dr, Lawrence Geography is much more than place locations, and this course will prove it! From the Ozark lowlands to the High Plains, explore the physical and human geography of Kansas in three two-hour segments, including the rise of key cities, especially Wichita, Topeka, and Lawrence.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an SRC Partner.

Treasured Stories for Future Generations Storytelling Course + Video Session Tuesday, March 6, 9:00 – 10:30 AM Pioneer Ridge Theater, 1000 Wakarusa, Lawrence

Join professional storyteller Priscilla Howe in a lively, fun workshop on finding, polishing, and telling the stories of our lives. Feel free to bring a photograph or two of a time in your life that you particularly treasure. This workshop will help you prepare for your own video recording session to capture your story for future generations. Fee includes workshop, recording session, and a digital copy of your video for you and your loved ones to treasure forever.

Priscilla Howe, Storyteller

Complete Package $300 y Course Only $50 y Video Session $250

To register, go to www.YourSRC.org or call 785-842-0543. February 2018


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Parks and Recreation EUDORA PARKS & RECREATION (EP&R) Eudora Parks & Recreation Department (EP&R) strives to provide parks and recreational opportunities for the community of Eudora that will enhance and promote a healthy lifestyle for all ages. EP&R gives Eudora residents and others from surrounding communities the opportunity for family oriented activities.

Eudora Pickleball – Open Play (EP&R)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Wednesdays, 6 - 8 p.m. Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm, Eudora Join others in groups of two, three, or four for open play for some Pickleball fun. For more information contact Eudora Parks & Recreation at 785-542-3434.

Checkers, Chess, & Dominoes (EP&R)

Every Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora In the mood for some board game play? Stop by for a quick game, or stay for several rounds!

LAWRENCE LIFELONG RECREATION (50+) (LPRD)

Bingo (EP&R)

First Monday of the Month, February 5, 1 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora Join fellow residents for a fun round of Bingo.

Brown Bag Lunch (EP&R)

First Wednesday, February 7, 12 - 1 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora Bring your lunch and enjoy time with fellow residents and hear a presentation by our monthly featured speaker.

NEED A RIDE?

CALL SENIOR WHEELS AT 785-727-7876 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE FOR DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION.

These programs, offered by the Lawrence Parks & Rec Department (LPRD) are designed for those 50 years or older to maintain an active lifestyle. Those over 60 years old receive a 10 percent discount on programs and activities, excluding the Eagle Bend Golf Course and Learning Center, travel programs, and some co-sponsored classes. Registration is required. You may register for the class at any Lawrence recreation center, or on-line at www.lprd.org. For more information, please contact Gayle Sigurdson, Lifelong Recreation programmer, at 785-832-7909

Facebook Fluency (LPRD)

Wednesdays, March 7 - April 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Riverfront Training Center, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence $32 Facebook has become an essential tool for staying in touch with family, friends, and the community. Take time to learn how to use the many features that are available safely. This class will start with creating a Facebook account and walking through specific skills such as security features; posting pictures, links, and videos; messaging and comments. It will end with a brick wall session to address individual questions and uses.

Intro to iPads (LPRD)

Thursdays, February 15 - March 15, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Carnegie Building, 200 W. 9th St, Lawrence $56 Thinking about getting an iPad, or already own one but not sure if you are getting the most out of it? This class will be a demonstration and learning session, so please bring your iPad with you. iPads will also be available during class. We will cover the basic operation of the device and apps for recreation, health, education, finance, and socializing. Instructor: Karen Johnson

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Safe Computing Practices (LPRD)

Saturday, February 17, 1 - 3 p.m. Riverfront Plaza Computer Lab, 6th and New Hampshire, Lawrence $18 The move into the digital world has occurred at a very high speed. Most daily tasks can be and are now done online. This workshop will look at safe email practices, online shopping, web browsing, storage, and social networking. What are the steps you can take to stay both safe and up to speed? Instructor: Sharon Gan

Jewelry Design & Repair (LPRD)

Sunday, February 25, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Community Building Art Room, 115 W. 11th St, Lawrence $30 In this class you will learn basic beginning bead stringing techniques. We will explore design, spacing, and placement. You will be able to create your own design with semi-precious stone beads with sterling silver and gold-filled beads and clasps. Lean about various stringing materials, clasps, and ear wire choices, and you will leave with a finished bracelet and pair of earrings that you can wear! Also, if you have beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that are broken, you will leave with the knowledge of being able to repair them yourself! If you own needle nose pliers, please bring them to class. All supplies included. Instructor: Julie Kingsbury


February 2018

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Parks and Recreation LAWRENCE LIFELONG TRAVEL (LPRD) Lawrence Parks & Rec (LPRD) offers Lifelong Travel excursions, including day and regional trips, tailored for those 50 and over. Registration is required. You may register for the trip at any Lawrence recreation center, or on-line at www.lprd.org. For more information, please contact Gayle Sigurdson, Lifelong Recreation programmer, at 785-832-7909

Historic Topeka (LPRD)

Thursday, March 8 $61 Spend the day close to home, learning more about our history and the stories behind local landmarks. The trip includes guided tours at Brown v Board of Education historic site, the Tiffany glass windows at First Presbyterian Church and the historic Kansas State Capitol. Trip includes lunch. Class Code: 227864-A. Registration deadline February 21.

Riverdance 20th Anniversary World Tour (LPRD)

Saturday, March 17 Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Kansas City, MO $89 The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music, and song. Class Code: 227865-A. Registration Deadline: February 14.

EUDORA DAY TRIPS (EP&R) Come explore with fellow adults from the Eudora area. All trips depart from the Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora, at 9:00 a.m. All trips are limited to 10 adults. Food and other purchased items are not included in pricing. To register, call 785-542-3434 or email Gary Scott, gscott@cityofeudoraks. gov. Register early as vans fill up fast!

Sunfire Ceramics

$12 Join the group on a quick trip to Lawrence to Sunfire Ceramics for an afternoon of creativity! Select a piece to make your own with model pieces and plenty of stencils, stamps, sponges, and other materials on hand to provide some inspiration. Sunfire Ceramics will then fire your piece and return the finished piece for your enjoyment at home or as a gift to pass along.

Royal Crest Lanes

Wednesday, February 14 $10 Join us for an afternoon of fun at Royal Crest Lanes in Lawrence. Novice and expert bowlers alike will have the chance to play a few frames and enjoy this fun outing. Bowling and shoe rental included.

Hutchinson, Kansas (LPRD)

April 5-6 Early Bird Fee: $318/sgl, $382/dbl World Renown and World’s Largest describe our stops on this trip as we explore the reach of human ingenuity deep into space and deep underground. Stops include the Kansas Cosmosphere, Indian Creek Buffalo Ranch, and Strataca Underground Salt Museum. Includes four meal stops in Lawrence and Topeka. Class Code: 327863. Registration deadline February 27.

Uniquely Kansas City (LPRD)

Wednesday, April 25 $69 History, geography, and people all help make Kansas City unique. Our day will take a closer look at three stopsthe Steamboat Arabia Museum, City Market, and Bird’s Botanicals. Class Code: 227861-A. Registration Deadline: April 10.

SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER DAY TRIPS Coming in March!

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February 2018

Leisure and Learning Activities PUBLIC EVENTS

GENEALOGY

s AARP Smart Driver Safety Course

Friday February 2, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. At SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave Fee $15 for AARP Members. $20 for Non-Members This two-day course will help you refresh your driving skills, save money, and brush up on proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Contact Larry Woydziak at lwoydziak@YourSRC. org or call 785-727-7875 to register.

CHAMPSS Orientation

First Monday, February 5, 2 - 3 p.m. Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Come and learn how to have access to healthy meals by attending the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging’s CHAMPSS orientation. For questions about CHAMPSS, contact Beth Kinnan with Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging at 785-235-1367.

s New! Monthly Potluck and Speaker Series for All Eudora Seniors

2nd Friday, February 9, 11:30 AM (eat at noon) St. Paul United Church of Christ, 738 Church St., Eudora FREE Join Eudora seniors for a gathering to include a potluck lunch and featured speaker. Bring a dish or two to share. Tableware and beverages provided. Featured speaker for Feb. 9: Dr. Marvel Williamson, “A New Day Is Dawning for Eudora Seniors.” Sponsored by the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. For more information or to volunteer to help, call Dr. Marvel Williamson at 785-727-7880.

February 2018

WATKINS MUSEUM OF HISTORY GENEALOGY GROUP

Genealogy Classes are taught by Alisa and Richard Branham. Richard Branham is a KU professor who has been researching his family history for 40+ years. Alisa is a KU staff member who caught the genealogy “bug” from her husband about 20 years ago; previously she worked for the Kansas State Historical Society. They have traveled across the U.S. and Great Britain to visit their ancestral homes and research in numerous genealogy libraries, historical museums, and local archives. Registration fees are $10 for Douglas County Historical Society members, and $15 for non-members. Register online or contact the Watkins Museum of History at 785-841-4109. Class size is limited.

Researching Ancestors from England

Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This class will focus on English history, maps, records, and databases. Students will be encouraged to share their expertise and helpful tips as well. Utilize experience from the instructors who have made four trips to Great Britain to conduct geneaology research

Using Maps in Genealogy Research

Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. This will be an expansion of the first session on Land Records and Maps, with a more intense focus on using maps as an analytical tool. Discussions will also include using timelines, Google, and migration in your research, since “time” and “place” are critical to locating records.


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Hughs

Cryptocurrency

(continued from page 1)

has joined with other city and county officials in looking ahead to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Eudora. Last fall, Hughs along with other city entities, senior professionals ,and senior residents gathered at a Senior Summit led by the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County to discuss the various gaps for seniors in the community to initiate strategic planning. The first product of collaborative efforts related to that event, and due to the generosity of Drs. Michael and Mary Kirkendoll, owners of Eudora Yoga Center, Eudora now has its own Senior Center located in the revitalized Hammert Building with organized events and activities for seniors in the community. Hughs couldn’t be happier. “Having a Eudora Senior Center opens up opportunities for seniors to get connected and find new ways to have their lives enriched. Learning keeps our minds active. Having fun brings happiness to our heart and soul.” She continues, “This truly is a very important step in making Eudora a community that values and supports seniors. Now we seniors need to respond by taking advantage of the offerings.” From her roots in Southwest Kansas, Hughs has become a true leader in the Eudora community and demonstrates that she will continue to pave the way for the betterment of Eudora. Her current dedication to advocating for the seniors in her community is another prime example of how she continues to be a trailblazer and an ongoing force for the citizens of Eudora.

(continued from page 4)

protections as some traditional payment methods. Once a user hits “Send,” the user cannot get his/her money back unless the seller agrees to do so. While I was unable to find any current numbers, back in June of 2015, the FTC had already received hundreds of complaints involving Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. I am certain that number has risen dramatically since then. If someone has a problem with a Bitcoin-related product or service, they can file a complaint with the FTC by using their Complaint Form located online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant. gov/?utm_source=takeaction#crnt&panel1-1. Remember, this information is only a very brief overview of a new and complex form of alternative currency. You will want the advice of your attorney and a tax attorney or other tax professional prior to making a decision to jump into the fray of cryptocurrency. As always, for general consumer protection information, please contact my consumer protection unit at 785-330-2849. We are always ready to serve the citizens of Douglas County. Some of the information in this article came from the Federal Trade Commission. This article is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. Legal advice can only be provided in an attorneyclient relationship. Always consult with a tax attorney or other tax professional prior to making financial decisions. This information must not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.

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February 2018

CAREGIVERS CORNER

Reasons for Declining Personal Hygiene in Older Adults by Michelle Meier, Editor

A common struggle for caregivers of older adults is regular personal hygiene. It is not uncommon for older adults to begin to avoid bathing and lag on the basics of personal hygiene. For the caregiver this can be challenging as it can be hard to draw the line between what seems socially acceptable and what is truly a matter of health. There may be numerous reasons older adults allow their standards of personal hygiene to decline. It might be easy for outsiders to jump to conclusions here, but there are a number of factors that could be causing the hesitation, even fear, of bathing and other hygienic regimens. Often the loss of control is something that can spur a decline in regular hygiene. Many older adults will use the refusal of bathing or other regimens as something over which they can maintain control. In situations where other elements of their life cannot be controlled, this simple decision may be something that provides them one facet of their life that they get to determine the schedule and outcome. This can be further compounded by the desire to retain any level of independence, not to mention personal privacy, and additional factors such getting in and out of bathtubs without assistance that can further escalate the need to remain in control.

attempting to maintain independence and personal privacy will likely backfire. Consider asking gentle questions that may give some insight into the hesitation. Offer supports like a shower chair or grab bars to help provide a safe bathing environment. Sometimes creating an occasion to get cleaned up like an outing with family or friends can be enough to initiate action. And finally, keep in mind that your personal standards may not be the same as theirs. This is not to negate health concerns for adults who have incontinence or other issues that may necessitate the need to maintain a regimented routine, but you may have to find a happy medium that ensures they are healthy and happy.

Another simple reason for a lapse in daily hygiene is memory. When days are no longer marked with a schedule of activities, one day can feel like the next. When this happens, it may be all too easy to lose track of just how long it has been since the last shower or bath. Another frequent cause in a lapse in hygiene is depression. Anyone facing even low-level depression may become apathetic and weary of the effort to maintain daily hygiene practices. It can be difficult to detect depression in older adults who can put on airs that all is well, but most likely, if depression is a factor, there will be other signs, including poor eating habits, stacks of bills or papers left unattended, and so forth. Regardless, it is important to have a physician assess the person to determine if depression exists and suggest proper treatment. Physical reasons may deter older adults from maintaining regular hygiene. Basic fear of falling and/or pain caused while getting in and out of a bathtub or pain caused by water pressure in the shower can cause an aversion to regular bathing. For adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there can be additional fears of running water or drains that can create significant apprehension to bathing that may not have existed in the past. Whatever the reason for the decline in hygiene, tread lightly and gently. Setting demands on someone who is

February 2018


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FIT & ACTIVE

The Pursuit of Happiness

by Gayle Sigurdson, LPRDs Lifelong Recreation Programmer Can we make ourselves happy? Many people assume that being happy means that you are fortunate, your life is blessed, or that you have good genes. However, researchers say several things contribute to happiness and are in our control. The important ones are small, day-to-day experiences that form close relationships with family and friends. These relationships, more than money or recognition, are what bring satisfaction and meaning to life. They are better predictors of a long, healthy life than social class, IQ, or other circumstances. How can we work on increasing happiness? Experts increasingly believe that learned skills can be used to cultivate and increase contentment. Expressing gratitude by keeping a journal or checking in daily with a gratitude buddy leaves people feeling less stressed and more optimistic. A 2015 study found that writing thank you notes, thought to be a dying art, actually triggered patterns of brain activity whose effects continued to be strong in later scans. This indicates that gratitude can be selfperpetuating, making it easier to recognize and appreciate the good in your life. Also supported by research are the positive effects of meditation and exercise.

Aging can be a positive factor for happiness. Global surveys from more than 70 countries published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people start out at age 18 feeling pretty good about themselves; that declines until age 50. At that point, there is a sharp reversal, and people keep getting happier as they age. By the time they are 85, they are even more satisfied with themselves than they were at 18. There are several possible reasons for this. As people get older, they are more able to avoid situations they don’t like, and often care less about what others may think. It can also be that life experience has taught them that happiness doesn’t just happen and they have developed the skills to help them lead a more satisfied life. Happiness is not constant pleasure. It is a broader thing that we can influence. What matters is enabling yourself to have the experiences that we know make people happier: close relationships, a challenging job, a hobby that you love, and extending generosity to others.

Being generous with your time and money can also contribute to happiness, although wealth is not a guarantee of happiness. Psychologists have found that once your basic needs are met, higher earnings have little effect on life satisfaction. Recent research has reported that people who spend money on activities and causes that are important to them express more happiness. Data from Michael Norton at Harvard Business School’s research shows that the biggest impact comes from spending money on others, especially those close to you, stating, “The closer you are to the recipient, the happier you’ll be.” In the same way, volunteering your time in the community can have the same impact. A paper recently published by Harvard Health, noted that volunteers benefit from something they call the “happiness effect.” It turns out that weekly volunteering leads to happiness levels comparable to a life-changing salary boost. Challenging yourself with set goals is a key part of working toward happiness. Every time you accomplish a task, your brain releases dopamine, also known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. The frequency is more important than the intensity of these accomplishments. That is to say that the person who attends morning exercise class, has a pleasant lunch with friends, and finishes household chores is more likely to be happier overall than an isolated person who wins a major award.

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February 2018

LEGALESE by Molly Wood, JD Q: My mother is in a nursing home recovering from a fall. She is in the rehabilitation part of the facility, and the social worker told her that she must go to another nursing home, rather than the long-term care portion of the facility she’s in, because she’s being “discharged” from Medicare. But she’s not well enough to go home. Can they make her move? A: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often tell Medicare beneficiaries and their families that they intend to “discharge” a Medicare beneficiary because Medicare will not pay for the beneficiary’s stay under either Part A (traditional Medicare) or Medicare Advantage. Such a statement unfortunately misleads many beneficiaries into incorrectly believing, not only that Medicare has decided that it will not pay for the stay, but also that a SNF can evict a resident from the facility if it concludes that Medicare is unlikely to pay for the resident’s stay. The truth is that when a SNF tells a beneficiary that she is “discharged,” (1) at that point, Medicare has not yet made any determination about coverage, and (2) a resident cannot be evicted from the facility solely because Medicare will not pay for the stay. Whether Medicare will pay for a resident’s stay is one part of the question which is determined by Medicare coverage rules and governed by various notices and appeal rights. Whether the resident can continue to live in a nursing facility when the source of payment comes from sources other than Medicare, however, is a totally separate question, determined by the Nursing Home Reform Law, which has its own distinct notice and appeal rights. Medicare Coverage Rules A SNF’s statement that Medicare will not pay for a beneficiary’s stay is the SNF’s determination; it is not Medicare’s determination. (For more detail on Medicare coverage for post-hospitalization rehabilitation care, including in nursing facilities, see Legalese in Better Senior Living October 2017 issue.) A Medicare beneficiary has the right to have Medicare make the coverage decision. Two processes are available: The “expedited” appeals process is intended to keep Medicare-covered services continuing without interruption. The “standard” appeals process enables a beneficiary to seek Medicare payment for a SNF stay, but the nursing facility also must inform the resident of possible non-coverage. Medicare will review the appeal and if they determine that coverage is not appropriate, to shift the costs of care from the SNF to the beneficiary.

Transfer and Discharge The federal Nursing Home Reform Act provides that a nursing facility must permit each resident to remain in the facility and must not transfer or discharge the resident from the facility unless: (i) The resident’s welfare cannot be met in the facility; (ii) The resident’s health has improved so that she no longer needs the services provided by the facility; (iii) The safety of individuals in the facility is endangered; (iv) The health of individuals in the facility would otherwise be endangered; (v) The resident has failed, after reasonable and appropriate notice, to pay for a stay at the facility; or (vi) The facility ceases to operate. Generally the nursing facility must give the resident advance written notice of its intention to transfer or discharge the resident so that the resident can exercise appeal rights. The nursing facility must also conduct “sufficient preparation and orientation to residents to ensure safe and orderly transfer or discharge from the facility.” If Medicare does not pay for a resident’s stay – the resident is “discharged from Medicare coverage”— the resident must have another source of payment. In this situation, a long as your mother can pay privately or has applied for Medicaid assistance, she can’t be discharged from the facility involuntarily. The nursing home is not permitted to require your mother to move just because the payment for her care comes from her own resources or Medicaid; that is a violation of the Nursing Home Reform Act. 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 at no charge by appointment at Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, 785-842-0543.

These appeal rights have different notices, and beneficiaries are entitled to receive both. The details of both processes are complex and time-consuming, too much to write about in a short article, but if you think your mother’s skilled care should be extended so that she has the best chance of getting better and going home, she has the right to appeal the nursing home’s decision on multiple fronts.

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SENIOR ROMANCE, SEX, & RELATIONSHIPS: ADVICE FOR GROWN-UPS Q: I have been noticing changes in how my equipment works in the love-making department for a couple of years. How do I know what is a normal part of getting old versus knowing when I should start asking my doctor for Viagra? A: This is an excellent question. With all the ads for products to enhance sexual enjoyment and function, some people might wonder if they are missing out. Changes do occur with aging, but how is one to know when professional help is warranted? The male body begins to age sexually even in the 20s and 30s. Subtle changes at that time are easily overlooked, but become more noticeable in the 50s and beyond. For example, a man is not capable of responding to further stimulation after orgasm for a period of time, called the “refractory period.” In young men, the refractory period may last just a few minutes, but as time passes, the period lengthens. For most men, by the time they reach 60 years old, it may last several hours and up to several days by 75 years old. If a man tries to have sex too soon, his inability to achieve an erection may be misinterpreted as a sign that something is wrong. Based on this information and a realistic understanding of his body, a man can put away undue anxiety about having erectile dysfunction (ED).

physical examination from your physician, complete with lab work and a thorough assessment of your genitourinary and lower GI function. Share your concern. Don’t leave anything out about yourself. Even bladder or bowel leakage can indicate neurological damage affecting other organs in the region. Last, avoid falling for the ads. While it seems that just getting a prescription for Viagra could be an easy solution for all your problems, it may not be needed at all, or it may postpone diagnosis of a serious condition that will worsen without treatment. 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.

On the other hand, some changes do indicate a disease process. If genital, bladder, and/or rectal sensation is diminishing and that, in turn, makes erection more difficult to achieve, you may have diabetes. Surprisingly, ED is often the first symptom of diabetes that brings men to their physicians. Most such men did not know they even had diabetes. Other possibilities include a number of physical causes. Perhaps a prescription you are taking has sexual side effects and you need an adjustment. Maybe you have atherosclerosis due to plaque build-up in the arteries to your pelvis. After all, cholesterol affects all parts of the body, not just the heart and brain. Possible origins of changes you are seeing are too many to list here. Get a

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February 2018

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February 2018

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