April 2016 • Vol. 16 • Issue 04 • www.BerksEncore.org For information on advertising in berksencore news please contact 610-374-3195, ext. 227. Inside This Issue... YOUR PLAN, Agency Happenings ..... pgs 3~5 NEW! Where You Age: YOUR PROCESS Anniversaries ....................pg 26 By Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie, Editor Berks Encore Programs ......pg 16 This article is the third in our series on where option allows you to age in one location no matter Center News ..............pgs 17, 20 we can choose to age—and what challenges and what stage of life or type of care you may need. Main- Combat Veteran Remembers ..pg 22 opportunities you’ll face wherever you choose to tenance is taken care of, and transportation is often Discount Program ............... pg 6 live. If you missed the first two articles in this provided; medical staff and emergency personnel are always available. Dollars and Sense ................ pg 7 series, check out our archive of Berks Encore • Age-restricted communities are housing areas that Editorial .............................. pg 2 News on our website, www.berksencore.org. usually limit 80 percent of occupied units to individu- Law & Order ......................pg 14 How and where you age is an inevitable, per- sonal decision. While traditional aging in place is als over a set age. This age can be 50, 55, or 60. These On-Going Activities .. pgs 18 & 19 communities are often gated. These communities You’re Invited! .............pgs 8 & 9 preferable to many older adults, the reality is that often many people are unable to age in their cur- may also be called active adult communities. Resi- Your Agency .....................pg 12 dents are fully independent, and these communities rent place of residence. In fact, almost two-thirds of Your Community ......pgs 21~34 often feature amenities like a clubhouse and a variety all older adults will, at some point, need a form of of activities. Your Health ............ pgs 10 & 11 long-term care. No matter where you live, having a plan, researching the options, and communicat- • Assisted living residences provide personal care Berks Encore Orchestra .......pg 5 ing your wishes can help make the decision-making services for those who need help in a setting similar to independent living communities. Often these process less stressful. residences have units for people with dementia. DETERMINING THE “WHERE” • Nursing homes, also called extended care facilities Kathy Galbraith of Green Hills Manor notes or skilled nursing facilities, provide access to medical that often a move out of your home can alleviate care staff 24 hours a day, including meal and personal some of the stresses that can pile up when aging in services. place traditionally, such as “the mindset of staying The costs of these types of residences can vary, home at all costs and struggling with the difficul- and, as always, research is recommended to deter- ties of chores, maintenance, increasing health care mine what suits your needs and budget. Volunteer Spotlight ..........pg 13 or physical needs, safety, and isolation.” Other factors may play into a decision to move, such as a QUESTIONS TO ASK, RESOURCES TO KNOW concern about placing a burden on children, or a When evaluating a new location to age, a variety simple desire for a change or fresh start. of questions can help you evaluate if the location is right for you: There are many options to choose from that can fit the needs of an active older adult and those who • Do you value community living? require more care: • Do you prefer to own your own home? • Independent Living Communities are geared towards • How active and independent are you? independent seniors with few medical problems. • Do you need medical care, or have any medical condi- The communities provide fully-equipped apartments tions that need daily maintenance? HGA Offi cers .....................pg 28 (that can be rented or bought) in a variety of sizes. Dining services, social outings, and events are offered; • What is your current budget for your living situation? housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services Costs can be one of the biggest determining factors may also be available. These types of communities are regarding where you live. also known as retirement villages, retirement com- Local organizations like Berks Encore and munities, 55+ communities, or senior apartments. the Berks County Area Agency on Aging can • Continuing care communities (CCC) include indepen- help you find a list of area residences. And look dent living, assisted living, and nursing home facili- critically at your housing options; visit http:// ties. They require an entry fee and monthly rent. This continued on page 3 2 From the desk of . Volunteers Needed! LUANN The Birdsboro Center is in need of Meals on EDITORIAL OATMAN Wheels drivers. Help us make a diff erence in the lives of homebound seniors in your community! You can volunteer daily, weekly, monthly— Dear Reader, whatever suits your schedule! Spring is almost here (promise)! Perhaps for you that means spending Instructors Needed some time outdoors. Or perhaps that means spring at Birdsboro Center! LuAnn Oatman, cleaning. It’s important to President Love the arts? take a fresh look at your Come join us at Birdsboro surroundings both indoor and outdoor. For older adults, as a volunteer art teacher. there are a few areas that can be particularly important as you de-clutter and re-organize: Class to be taught once a month. Supplies provided by Berks Encore. 1. CLUTTER CAN BE HARMFUL – When you declutter a well-traveled room or entryway, you’re also reducing your risk of trips and falls. EXERCISE PROGRAM 2. CHECK THAT MEDICINE CABINET – Check expiration dates and INSTRUCTORS NEEDED ! ensure all medications are labeled and stored properly. Sit & Get Fit, Yoga, or other classes welcome! 3. CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS AND OTHER EMERGENCY DEVICES– Spring cleaning is a good time to ensure you’re smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and/or fi re extinguisher are in working order. And an emergency kit containing medications, bandages, a fl ashlight and batteries, and a current medication list and contact information is always useful to keep in your home. 4. ENLIST HELP – Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to help out with spring cleaning. A friend can help make the cleaning process go faster—and it will probably be more fun! I fi nd I’m happier and more energized after a round of spring cleaning—and ready to tackle a new round of gardening this spring! Sincerely, INTERNET SAFETY AND SECURITY LuAnn Oatman, President/CEO OUR MISSION berksencore news is published monthly by berksencore 40 N. 9th Street, Reading, PA 19601 • Phone 610-374-3195 Chairperson, Board of Directors Carl W. Staples President LuAnn Oatman Editor Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie 2014 Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Outstanding Media Recognition Award Recipient 2016 Printed by the Reading Eagle Company APRIL APRIL The mission of berksencore is to engage the community berksencore news Advertising Policy: to enable older adults to news • 1. All ads submitted to berksencore news for publication will be reviewed by staff for suitability. If there is a question concerning the content of any achieve a better quality of life proposed advertisement, berksencore marketing person will contact the advertiser to see if any adjustments can be made. by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, 2. berksencore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed inappropriate for berksencore news. encore education and advocacy. 3. The publication of any advertisement in berksencore news does not imply endorsement of that product, service or company/organization supplying their product/service by berksencore. berks FREE CLASSES! 3 Where You Age: HAPPENINGS AGENCY YOUR PLAN, YOUR PROCESS All Berks Encore Exercise Classes By Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie, Editor FREE from March 1 to June 30! continued from front page Thanks to the generous support of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/caregiving/senior- all Berks Encore centers will offer their exercise classes free of residence-tour-checklist.html for a good template for a charge from the beginning of March until the end of June for checklist to evaluate a senior residence. all attendees age 60 and over. Downsizing and moving can be a difficult process, but help is Whether you are interested in tai chi, Zumba Gold, Sit available, including via senior move managers. Kathy Galbraith and Get Fit or any of our other exercise offerings, these explains, “Successful transition to personal care communities [is classes are now provided at no cost to you! Just one more helped by] a willingness to embrace the change. “A move to a reason visiting a Berks Encore center today can lead to a senior community necessitates happier, healthier you! No matter what location you choose to age in, there are still A complete schedule can be found in the center a variety of ways to make it suit your needs. Your place of aging, portion of this issue of Berks Encore News. with planning, can be adapted to suit your needs and wants at each stage of your life. Independent living facilities, which are Berks Encore-Reading partners with mostly aimed at those older adults needing little or no assistance PC Ninja to provide in their daily living Cynthia S. Huls, Director/Owner of Visiting Angels in Reading, notes that “Aging in place doesn’t just mean FREE Computer Classes! a private residence. We serve seniors and other individuals Basic Computer Classes with PC Ninja will take place at wherever their home is; living in retirement or medical facili- the Reading center every Friday from 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., ties.” Your aging process is unique to you.