Prime of Life 2016

PrimeofLife
2016
A Resource Guide
For Seniors
Volume v
Cut the Clutter

page 7
Village to
Village
page 48
Exercise
Works!
page 73
Presented BY:
Sponsored by
Frye Regional
Medical Center
A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Catawba County
Aging Coalition
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senior expo
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PrimeofLife
Senior Expo
2016
august 30, 2016 Hickory Metro Convention Center 9am-2pm

Brought to you by:
Platinum Sponsors:
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Medical Center
gold Sponsors:
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VILLAGE
silver Sponsors:
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Presenting Partners: Senior Information Resources, Inc., Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Catawba County Aging Coalition
www.SirNC.org | 2016-2017
PrimeofLife n 3
Stay sharp
mentally and physically
Brought to you by:
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Answer
PrimeofLife
A Resource Guide for Seniors
n Welcome to the SIR Family...................... 6

n Housing................................................................ 7
Buried Alive? Cut the Clutter.................................... 7
MOLD, It Will Grow On You!....................................... 9
Aging In A Different Place....................................... 12
What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?.. 13
Your Guide to Retirement & Senior Housing.......... 14
Helping You Stay In Your Home. ............................. 16
n legal & Financial........................................18

What To Do When A Loved One Dies...................... 18
Top Ten Mistakes to Estate Planning...................... 21
Leaving the House to the Kids?.............................. 23
Know the Facts About Reverse Mortgage.............. 24
Feeling Insecure About Social Security?. ............... 26
Legal Guardianship..................................................28
Estate Administration: One Size Does Not Fit All... 31
n Medical..............................................................32
Is Neuropathy Getting on Your Last Nerve?........... 32
Keeping Your Bodys Superhighway Clean............. 33
The Prescription Only Your Body Can Write. .......... 34
Am I Dizzy or Do I Have Vertigo?............................ 35
The Basics of Short Term Rehabilitation................. 37
Disposing Unused Medicines.................................. 38
Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Cancer?. ....... 39
Is Palliative Care for You?. ...................................... 41
n Quality of Life ..............................................43

Pets Bring Life to the Retirement Years. ................ 43
Experience is Priceless........................................... 46
Up For an Adventure?............................................. 47
Village to Village: A Neighborhood Concept........... 48
Driving: Yield to the Warning Signs......................... 50
Time on Your Hands? Volunteer!............................ 51
Americas Aging Workforce. ................................... 53
n Support .............................................................55
Veteran Services..................................................... 55
Elder Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation....................... 56
I Love My Mom, But............................................. 59
Medicare or Medicaid............................................. 60
Planning For The Unexpected................................. 61
Healing From Grief.................................................. 63
Home Care vs. Home Healthcare............................ 66
Alzheimers: A Fight We Can Win............................ 67
Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?................................. 69
n Wellness ..........................................................71
Healthy Living for Seniors....................................... 71
Exercise Works! Just Ask Frankie........................ 73
ABZzzz of Sleeping.................................................. 74
Garden Smarter, Not Harder................................... 75
n Prime of life Directory. .........................77

n WPCOG-AAA Resource List......................82
2016
SIR
Board Members
Executive Board:
President: Tamara Faulkner
Vice President: Rik Covalinski
Secretary: Susan Saylor
Treasurer: Amber McIntosh
Board Members:
Catawba County Aging Coalition: Michelle Roseman
Events: Melissa Zuzolo
Prime of Life Expo: Lindsay Keisler
Media & Promotions: Trisha Lowman
Education & Programs: Hank Hardman
Membership: Angie Cannon
Prime of Life Publication: April Berg
Past President: Julie Packer
Prime of Life Publication Committee:
Chair: April Berg
Co-Chair: Trisha Lowman
Rik Covalinski Jennifer Dyson
Tamara Faulkner Cheri Klaver
Michael Richey Lindsay Keisler
Nancy Hosterman Kent Boggs
PrimeofLife n 5
Welcome
to the SIR Family!
How do you define family? Is it made up of blood

relations--parents, children, grandchildren? Is it a blend
of aunts, uncles, cousins? Do close friends become
family over time? Can you choose your own family
members? There is no definite answer, but I can assure
you of this: there is a group of people in the Hickory
Metro Area who are waiting to invite you to join our
family.
Senior Information Resources, Inc, (SIR) is a 501 3
nonprofit organization that is comprised of members
representing private businesses, government agencies,
and nonprofit organizations whose purpose, products
and unique services meet the needs of the Metros
baby boomers and older adult population. SIRs
mission is to enhance the lives of seniors by providing
a comprehensive and collaborative point of contact,
focusing on educational programs and resources for
seniors, their families and caregivers. We work hard
to provide educational and resource information to
seniors, their families and caregivers; offer a venue
for network and educational opportunities for aging
services providers; and facilitate collaboration with
other agencies and avoid duplication of efforts for
seniors in the Metro area. SIR partners with the
Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and the
Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG).
SIR members work in a variety of high quality aging
services, including fitness, veteran services, financial
planning, health care, advocacy, legal services,
transportation, housing choices, travel, continuing
education and more. Although SIR is based in Catawba
County, members may also work in surrounding
counties. SIR member businesses maintain a high
quality work ethic and follow excellent business
practices. Think Angies List on a community level
with no fees involved.
Our name, Senior Information Resources, is our
business. We offer several ways that you can access
the information that we provide. The biggest resource
is the annual EXPO in August at the Hickory Metro
Convention Center. You can visit a lot of businesses
with 75+ vendors who serve Baby Boomers and older
adults. If you are a caregiver, whether family member
or professional, you can find assistance with training,
respite care, support groups and more. If you are one
of the 10,000 adults who turned 65 this year, you can
discover all kinds of services that you didnt know you
needed, but will want in the future. You can also play
Bingo, listen to music and eat ice cream. How can you
go wrong?
6 n PrimeofLife
Have you seen the Prime of Life Resource Guide? This

is our fifth annual publication that provides locallywritten articles that will help you throughout the year.
In addition to excellent information on topics like
medication management, estate planning, Medicaid
and Medicare, you can work a crossword puzzle and try
a new recipe. Keep this publication on your coffee table
all year, and use it to help you find the help you need
when you need it.
Are you on Facebook? Look us up! Youll see our list
of members events, SIR meetings, and network with
others. You can also find us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Our website, www.sirnc.org, features our calendar of
events you wont want to miss, plus a list of members
and businesses. Check it out!
In SIR, we are always coming up with new ideas to get
community resources out to the seniors, but we are not
all work and no play. Last year we collaborated with
the City of Hickory Parks and Recreation Department
to present our first ever Senior Spring Ball. Unifour
Senior Games participants and other guests enjoyed
a free barbecue dinner and dance with the band
Chickweed. This year we brought it back with the
2016 Senior Spring Ball, with over 100 people and
volunteers attending and dancing to The Silvio Martinet
Swing Band again all free for Games participants and
members of the community.
If you are a professional serving seniors, please join
us! SIR membership offers many advantages including
a monthly lunch educational meeting, marketing tools
and discounts on EXPO booths for a minimum annual
fee. The member application can be found on the SIR
website www.sirnc.org or you can call 828-261-2267.
Are you ready to join the SIR family? We welcome you,
and we appreciate your participation and support. I
leave you with a traditional Gaelic blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sincerely yours,
Tamara Faulkner
President
Senior Information
Resources (SIR) 2016
Cut The Clutter
e all start the year with the

best of intentions, whether
its to save money, exercise
more or to organize areas
of the home. We start off
well but we often lose our way as time
passes and our areas of focus change. As
hard as we try to stay organized, it can be
a big challenge and very overwhelming.
Messy areas, clutter and unorganized
environments are proven to cause
distractions and increase levels of stress.
Time Genies
828-308-0554
www.time-genies.com
Organizing is a decision making process

and for some, thats a hard thing to do.
Here are some simple steps to help you
gain control and take charge in that area of
your life.
Housing
Buried Alive?
Karen Tonks
SET GOALS, IDENTIFY AREAS

AND PRIORITIZE THEM
Walk around your home and decide which

rooms in the home need the attention first.
Perhaps its the kitchen or the living room
because those are the two areas we tend
Continued on pg. 8
come
Home.
Serving patients and families

wherever they call home
private residences,
long-term-care
facilities, or
in our two
patient
care
units.
Caldwell Hospice
and Palliative Care,
a community-based,

care provider, is licensed by

Caldwell Hospice.
www.caldwellhospice.org l 828.754.0101 l
PrimeofLife n 7
Housing
to spend the most time in. Maybe its a guest

bedroom that became a catch-all or it can be a
basement or garage thats so full you now have
to park your car in the driveway.
HAVE A SORTING SYSTEM
Start with a small area to work in so that you

dont become overwhelmed. Put your room into
zones. If you are in the bedroom, make the closet
a zone, under the bed another zone and so on.
Slow and steady wins the race. You will need to
identify 5 piles.
1. TRASH
2. SELL/DONATE
3. MOVE/REHOUSE
4. KEEP
5. RECYCLE
Depending on the amount of clutter you may
want to consider a dumpster or a storage pod.
BE COMMITTED WHEN PURGING
Its ok to let go of things. You still have the

memories. Take pictures instead. With clothing,
the general rule is 20/80. We wear 20% of the
clothes we own, 80% of the time. Also, items that
are broken are typically not fixed. So go ahead
and purge those books that have been read or
the clothes that have broken zippers that youve
been meaning to get fixed for 5 years and the
stack of puzzles that are missing a piece. Its ok!
KEEP LIKE WITH LIKE
Store similar items together and put them close

to where you use them the most. For example,
pots and pans would go near the stove and
glassware would go near the fridge or the sink
and coffee, tea and sugar items would go near
the coffee pot.
8 n PrimeofLife
TAKE YOUR TIME AND DONT

OVERWHELM YOURSELF
Decluttering and purging can take 3-5 times

longer than you think it will - especially when you
have lots of paperwork to sort through.
PREVENT FUTURE CLUTTER BY

FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE RULES:
DONT ALLOW POTENTIAL
CLUTTER IN THE HOME
Before you purchase something, ask

yourself if you really need it and is there a
place for it to go.
DECLUTTER A LITTLE EACH DAY
Deal with mail, magazines, clothes and

other such items each day. Plan to spend
15 minutes every day if you can and get
into a routine which will bode well for
future success.
ONE IN, ONE OUT RULE
Whenever you bring something into the

house, you have to sell, recycle, or trash
something else in its place.
DONT BUY: RENT OR BORROW
If you only use something every now and

then, consider renting or borrowing - such
as a wheelbarrow or a jigsaw tool.
By following these simple steps, staying
committed and working on it every day, we can
all achieve the organized home of our dreams!
And who wouldnt want that?
It Will Grow On You!
any see anything related to

mold as a horrid 4-Letter
word. The media has
continually said that mold is
an evil villain that destroys
homes, lives, and happiness. The reality is
that mold is a very important component of
our environment. Without mold, we wouldnt
have such tasty things as bread, cheese,
and wine. Plus, the outdoor environment
would be littered with trash and debris. Mold
is a microorganism that is part of a larger
SERVPRO of Alexander/ Burke/Caldwell

and Catawba Counties
828-396-1070
species classification known as Fungi.

Mold is naturally present in outdoor
environments and concentrations vary
greatly with respect to time, species,
weather conditions, and actually is a very
important factor in keeping the world we
live in comfortable for human existence. We
share the same air indoors and outdoors,
so it is impossible to eliminate all mold and
their spores from indoor environments.
Exposure to airborne mold outdoors is
commonly considered safe for the general
Housing
MOLD
Bobby Dean, Jr., CES, CIAQI

Environmental Scientist/Production Manager
Continued on pg. 11
Ready to
enjoy retirement?
Make the move to Kingston.
Independent & Assisted Living

Private Apartments with Bathroom & Kitchenette
3 Chef Prepared Meals Served
All Utilities (Cable TV, Power & Telephone) Included
24/7 Emergency Call System
Routinely Scheduled Exercise Programs
Licensed Nurses On Duty 24/7 For Assistance
Transportation Services
Weekly Housekeeping
Wide Range of Activities
904 Second St., NE
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-9955
www.kingstonhickory.com
Genuine Care Dedicated To You
PrimeofLife n 9
With us, your hearts

in the rght place.
Dr. Brian Steg, Dr. Derek Luney, Dr. Luke Byrnes, Dr. James Ritter, Dr. Jeff Neal, Lisa
Michel, PA-C, Sara Paul, DNP, FNP, and Whitney Patterson, NP, combine their 110+
years of experience with the resources of Catawba Valley Medical Center to provide
the community a full-service cardiology program. And at the heart of this practice is
you the patient.
Catawba Valley Cardiology provides general cardiology, peripheral interventions,

pacemaker implementation, interventional cardiology, and the areas only Heart

Catawba Valley Medical Center are available around the clock, seven days a week.
Catawba Valley Cardiology is now scheduling new patients.
www.CVMGonline.org
828.326.2354
Conveniently located in the Graystone Professional Building across

Fairgrove Church Road from Catawba Valley Medical Center
public. For people with allergies to mold, there

may be no practical level of exposure, either
indoors or outdoors, that would not create some
level of discomfort.
The most common symptoms of mold exposure

are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion,
and aggravation of asthma. Individuals with
persistent health problems that appear to be
related to mold or other types of air quality
contaminant exposure should consult their
physician. Health officials recommend keeping
relative humidity indoors between 30% to 60%
with below 50% being ideal to prevent and
control mold, dust mites, and other sources of
indoor air quality problems.
PA
As mold counts increase outside our buildings,

mold counts usually increase inside the
buildings. Any water damaged materials,
musty odors, or visible mold growth should be
addressed immediately. Non-porous surfaces
can be cleaned and disinfected. Porous materials
(such as carpets, wood, and cloth) should be
evaluated by a qualified remediation company
and removed, cleaned, and/or replaced as
necessary. Since mold requires moisture to grow,
it is important to prevent moisture problems. In
all instances, any source(s) of water must be
stopped and the extent of the water damage
determined. Mold can grow on virtually any
organic substance, as long as moisture and
air are present. When excessive moisture
Housing
When visible mold growth exists in our indoor

environments, as in our homes, that is an issue.
The EPA advises that indoor mold growth should
be cleaned or addressed properly as soon as
feasible. The key to controlling indoor mold
growth is to control the moisture levels.
accumulates on building materials, mold growth

will often occur, particularly if the moisture
problem remains undiscovered or not addressed.
Drywall is a perfect surface for mold growth
when wet. Moisture problems may include roof
leaks, plumbing leaks, landscaping, or gutters
that direct water into or under a structure.
Water damaged building materials supporting
mold growth should be cleaned or replaced as
quickly as possible in order to insure a healthy
environment. Specific methods of assessing
and remediating mold contamination should be
conducted by a professional, and based on the
extent of the visible contamination and the cause
of the damage.
IS NOW
W W W. C A R O L I N A O R T H O . C O M
William B. Bell, M.D.
Mark S. Brazinski, M.D.
Michael P. Bunch, M.D.
Timothy H. Kirkland, M.D.
Ralph J. Maxy, M.D.
Patrick M. OBrien, M.D.
Donald A. Campbell, M.D. Christopher T. Daley, M.D. Alfred E. Geissele, M.D. Matthew D. Hannibal, M.D.
W. Luke Robinson, M.D.
J. Barry Sanderlin, M.D.
Stephen J. Sladicka, M.D. James E. Stanislaw, M.D.
Justin B. Jones, M.D.
Jeffrey P. Keverline, M.D.
Douglas S. Tice, M.D.
Mark A. Tiffany, M.D.
Convenient After Hours Services ORTHO QUICK CARE

Monday-Friday: 5:30pm - 9pm & Saturday: 10am - 2pm
2165 MEDICAL PARK DRIVE HICKORY, NC 28602
(828) 459-OUCH
Earl W. Walker, Jr., M.D.
Hickory
(828) 324-2800
Lenoir
(828) 758-7091
Morganton
(828) 437-6500
Newton
(828) 464-3771
Jason D. Zook, M.D.
Taylorsville
(828) 635-8430
Valdese
(828) 874-3379
PrimeofLife n 11
Housing
Aging
In A Different Place
Christina Franklin
Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
Area Agency on Aging
828-322-9191
www.wpcog.org
s an adult we never want to think

about a dreaded nursing home
placement, either for ourselves or
our loved ones. Its like the elephant
in the room; no one wants to discuss
it. But as we ourselves age, it needs to be a
conversation we all have with our family. It is
just as important as discussing your will or
a power of attorney. Even if you feel that a
nursing home is far off in your future or that
you may never need nursing care, it never
hurts to be prepared.
Per the National Association of Area Agencies
on Aging only 20% of those needing nursing
home care receive it. That leaves 80% being
cared for by a loved one. So how do caregivers
know when its time? Here are some signs
caregivers should pay attention to:
Can you physically take care of your loved
one? How is your own health?
Has your loved ones dementia progressed
to the point that they may be physically
hurting you due to paranoia or confusion?
Does your loved one wander?
Your loved ones doctor says its time.
You have tried other options such as
in-home caregivers or hospice services.
Have other relationships suffered?
Others are expressing concerns.
Placement can be traumatic for everyone
involved, but what if you have to make that
decision for yourself? How do you know when
its time? Ask yourself these questions:
Can
Can
Can
Can
Can
Can
I
I
I
I
I
I
get to a telephone if I need help?

bathe myself?
do my own shopping?
prepare meals for myself?
do my own housekeeping or laundry?
manage my own finances?
Maybe you do need help with some or all of

these issues but you feel that you just arent
ready for a nursing home. There are other
options for long-term care such as Assisted
12 n PrimeofLife
Living Communities or Family Care Homes.

Residents in these facilities are usually still
able to do some of their own Activities of Daily
Living but may need help with things like
bathing or medication management.
So how do you know which type of facility is
right for you or your loved one? The first thing
you need to do is talk with your doctor as he/
she will make the recommendation for level of
care. Make sure the doctor knows what type of
assistance you or your loved one needs so that
he/she can make an accurate recommendation.
Once you know the level of care needed, do
your homework. Start visiting facilities, talk
with residents or family members when you
visit, ask questions, and make sure to check
the activity calendar. You can also visit the
Department of Health Service Regulations
website at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr or
www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare
to compare nursing homes and check their
survey results. You can also call your local
Long-Term Care Ombudsman with the Area
Agency on Aging at (828) 485-4213 for more
information.
What Is A
CRCs are residential communities

established in a campus-like setting
that provide older adults access
to multiple levels of housing and
care including residential homes or
apartments much like their own homes; assisted
living, which provides a level of assistance with
daily tasks; and skilled nursing care for those with
greater health needs.
Abernethy Laurels
828-465-8028
www.abernethylaurels.org
know. Meals, activities/programming, medical

care, lawn care, and maintenance are examples
of services provided as a resident of a CCRC. At
most CCRCs, there are many amenities such as
multiple dining venues, walking trails, libraries,
and fitness centers. Resident can enjoy all the
benefits of active retirement living, with a safety
net of health services on site.
Housing
Continuing Care Retirement

Community (CCRC)?
Shaylyn Ladd
Public Relations Director
There are over 2,000 CCRCs across the country.

In order to enter a CCRC, you must qualify
both financially and medically. There are many
different types of CCRCs, and just as many
different kinds of contracts and costs. An initial
one time investment, often referred to as a
entrance fee is required by CCRCs. This is paid
upon moving in, along with a monthly service fee.
Costs will vary widely depending upon size and
features of the home and amenities you choose
and level of care needed. CCRCs offer a number
of different entrance fee options, some of which
may be refundable. Most refundable options
include 50% plans. Should you move out within a
certain time-frame after moving in, your entrance
fee may be partially refundable. These plans exist
to help estate preservation and legacy giving.
CCRCs are like the one-stop shopping of the

retirement community industry. Generally,
residents move to a CCRC when they are still well
enough to live independently and as their needs
change, they have access to greater care within
the community from health care staff they already
To many older adults CCRCs offer the best

of all possible worlds. On one hand you have the
independence and privacy of living in your own
cottage or apartment and on the other hand there
are tremendous opportunities to meet new people
and enjoy an active social and recreational life,
all this while knowing there are other services
available if you should need them.
We are dedicated to exceeding our customers expectations in providing the greatest quality
and value in healthcare related products, supplies and services.
NOW OPEN!
920 Tate Blvd SE SUITE 104 Hickory, NC 28602 828-855-9099 www.thewheelchairplace.com

PrimeofLife n 13
Housing
Your Guide to
Retirement & Senior Housing
Betsy Sher
Active Adult & Retirement
Communities Resource Guide
828-650-8428
www.CarolinaLivingChoices.com
iving your golden years in North

Carolina can be the perfect choice for
so many reasons. Whether you are a
born and bred Tar Heel or are choosing
the ideal relocation destination, North
Carolina has a lot to offer.
With unique and spectacular geography
from the Appalachian Mountains and Foothills
of Western NC to the centrally located Carolina
Piedmont with the states largest cities; and from
the Coastal Plain and rolling seashore of Eastern
NC, each region offers temperate climate that
allows year-round comfort and variety.
Lifestyle, location, comfort, and amenities are
vital when choosing an active adult community,
independent retirement community, senior living
or assisted living community. Whether you are
just getting ready to retire to an active lifestyle,
a senior searching for assisted living options, or
a family member helping a loved one, there are
plenty of options. Understanding your options is

the first step on your search.
Active Adult
Residential Communities
You may be seeking a single-family home,

condominium, villa or patio home. These active
adult communities offer amenities that may
include fitness/wellness centers, parks and trails,
golf, swimming, tennis, as well as recreational,
educational, cultural and social programs. Real
estate options which target the active adult
are often designed with single-floor living or
master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.
Home exteriors normally require very little or no
maintenance; yard maintenance is often included
in the residents monthly association fee. These
active adult communities are often conveniently
located so that you can enjoy nearby cultural
and recreational venues, fine dining and
shopping, and premier medical care. So whether
its a day on the golf course, meeting friends
for lunch, shopping for your grandchildren, or
having a quick check-up, convenience is yours.
14 n PrimeofLife
Retirement or independent living communities

with amenities are another option. These adult
lifestyle communities typically only allow residents
aged 65 years or older; they include homes
or apartments offering relatively maintenancefree living with many amenities such as such
as transportation, dining, housekeeping, easy
access to health care, and activities to fit your
active lifestyle. In addition, youll enjoy nearby
natural and cultural attractions, social groups
catering to specific interests, outdoor common
grounds, exercise centers, and nearby dining
and shopping. Independent living retirement
communities are designed for older adults who
can generally care for themselves; some of
these offer a continuum of care through their
designation as a Continuing Care Retirement
Communities or LifeCare Community.
Cost Comparison Worksheet

What are you or your family member actually paying right now in
monthly expenses? How does this compare to the cost of a retirement
community? Complete this worksheet and take it with you when you
visit a retirement community. Find out what services the community
includes in the monthly rent.

Your Current
Cost of Services
Monthly Expense
Monthly Costs Provided by Community
Mortgage or Rent
Property Tax
Property Insurance
Heating & Air
Electric
Water & Sewer
Telephone
Television/Cable
Trash Removal
Yard Care & Snow Removal
Home Repair/Maintenance
Housekeeping Services
Laundry
Auto or Other Transportation
Expenses
Groceries
Dining/Entertainment
Recreation/Fitness Services
Nursing/Home Care
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Monthly Expenses
$ $
Senior or Assisted Living

Communities
Assisted living communities, residential

and personal care homes, memory care
communities, rehabilitation, skilled nursing,
hospice care, and respite care can all fall under
the umbrella of senior living. With assisted
living communities, senior residents live in a
comfortable and safe environment that feels
just like home, offering customized personal
care, social events and activities, some health
services, and specialized accommodation to
fit all variations of senior needs. These may
include 24-hour assistance with day-to-day
living and tasks as well as daily balanced meals.
Also included in the senior housing and care
spectrum are nursing and rehab centers, which
have registered nurses (RN), licensed practical
nurses (LPN) and certified nurse assistants
(CNA) providing 24-hour medical care, which
is especially beneficial for residents not strong
enough to care for themselves.
Housing
Retirement Communities
Choosing the right retirement living option

can be daunting, but there are many choices
and one is sure to be a perfect fit for you.
Explore your future in North Carolinafrom the
mountains, to the foothills, to the beachesour
statewide southern charm welcomes you.
Income/Assets Worksheet
Use this form to calculate income and assets. This will help you
determine what you can afford.
Monthly Income Sources
Social Security
Pension
Interest/Dividends
Other
$
$
$
$
Total Monthly Expenses

Assets
Home or Other Property
Stocks/Bonds/Mutual Funds
Savings Accounts/CDs
IRA/401K
Other
Total Assets
$
$
$
$
$
PrimeofLife n 15
Housing
Helping You
Stay In Your Home
Resources for Seniors
If a disability or general slowing down due

to aging is making it more difficult for you to
navigate in and around your home, there are
a number of resources that can help you stay
in your home more safely. In addition, many
seniors are on fixed incomes and can have a
difficult time keeping up with home maintenance
costs when big ticket items such as a new
roof or heat system are needed. Through its
Community Development Division, the City of
Hickory offers people living in the city limits a
number of housing rehabilitation programs for
low and moderate income homeowners that can
help seniors modify their homes to stay in them
longer and make urgent repairs. The levels of
assistance available are generally based on the
total household income. The federal government
sets these income limits based on the median
income in the area and state. The Community
16 n PrimeofLife
David Leonetti, AICP

Community Development Manager
City of Hickory
828-322-2921
www.hickorync.gov
Development Division can be reached at

(828) 323-7414 or by visiting www.hickorync.gov/
content/community-development.
Housing Rehabilitation
Loan Program
This program provides loans of up to $20,000 to

homeowners whose household income does not
exceed 80 percent of the area median income.
This is currently $33,400 for a family of two. The
Loan amount cannot exceed the value of the
house less any additional outstanding liens on
the property. The loans have a 3 percent interest
rate, and the loan term is one year for each
$1,000 borrowed.
Examples of eligible repairs include heat system
replacement, plumbing repairs, repairs of
electrical wiring, and roof repairs. These funds
can also be used to make the home more
with necessary house repairs and accessibility

improvements. They can be reached at
(828) 328-4663.
Housing Rehabilitation
Deferred Loan Program
The Independent Living Program of the North

Carolina Department of Health and Human
Services can help people who have difficulty
living independently due to a disability.
They offer counseling, home and vehicle
modifications, skills training, and other
assistance geared toward helping people live
independently. Some assistance is based on
income level, but some services are available
regardless of income. For more information
contact the Hickory office at (828) 322-2921.
This program offers deferred loans of up to

$15,000 for homeowners whose household
income does not exceed 50 percent of the area
median income. This is currently $20,900 for
a family of two. These funds can be used for
similar repairs as the Housing Rehabilitation
Loan Program discussed previously. However,
no monthly payments are required on the loan as
long as the house is maintained as the principal
residence of the borrower. In addition, half of the
loan balance is forgiven if the borrower maintains
the home as a primary residence for at least
5 years.
Urgent Repair Program

This program provides forgivable loans to
homeowners of up to $7,200 to households with
special needs whose income does not exceed 50
percent of the statewide median income. This is
currently $23,150 for a family of two. These funds
may be used for urgent repairs or accessibility
improvements that are required to avert the
displacement of the homeowner. No payments
are required on the loan. The loan balance is
forgiven at a rate of $1,000 per year provided
that the homeowner continues to occupy the
home as a principal residence.
Housing
accessible for the homeowner by installing

grab bars in bathrooms, entry ramps, widening
doorways, etc.
In addition to these government and nonprofit

programs, many local churches offer assistance
to elderly and disabled residents with minor
home maintenance and repairs. This assistance
can be as simple as help cleaning out gutters to
building a ramp to enable a disabled resident to
enter his or her home. Many of these churches
do not limit their assistance to church members,
but aim to serve as many people as possible.
Nominate your
favorite senior.
Well grant well-deserving
seniors the wish of a lifetime!
Just complete the online form at
ASeniorsWish.com
or call (877) 898-0060
Help us celebrate 15 Years
of serving seniors and
their families in the
Piedmont, Greater Charlotte,
and Hickory Area since 2001.
Other Resources
If you dont live in the Hickory city limits, there
may be other options available. Often the
administers funding for housing rehabilitation
and accessibility improvements. They can be
reached at (828) 322-9191. Habitat for Humanity
of the Catawba Valley has recently launched
the Habitat Repairs! program, which can help
(877) 898-0060 ComfortKeepers.com
Caring | Comfort | Peace | Support | Safety | Happiness

Most offices independently owned and operated. 2016 CK Franchising, Inc.
PrimeofLife n 17
legal & financial
What
to
do
When a Loved One Dies
Editorial by
Event Bookazines
a Division of Hudson Publications, LLC.
Immediately After Death:

Notify funeral home. Assign a family member as
the contact person.
Contact family, friends and co-workers
Collect information for obituary and contact local
newspapers
Secure loved ones home
Ask someone to house-sit
Remove valuables from loved ones home (if
necessary)
Forward mail
Cancel newspapers
Remove all jewelry from loved one prior to funeral
directors arrival
Funeral Arrangements:
Select clergy for service
Decide on location and time of service
Select a casket or urn
Find documentation of burial plot ownership or
choose a burial site
Select burial clothing for the deceased
Select scripture or other text to be read at service
Select individual(s) to read eulogy at service
Select flowers and music
Select pallbearers
Select memorial type and inscription
Select photographs and other personal items for
memorial table
Arrange military procession if loved one was a
veteran
Sign papers for burial permit
Select an appropriate charity to receive donations
Facts Needed for Newspaper Obituary:

Name
Date of birth
Military service information (branch, rank, where
the deceased served)
Occupation and employer
Mothers maiden name and birthplace
Fathers name and birthplace
Family members who preceded in death
Survivors and relationship to deceased
Hobbies and other interests
Schools attended
18 n PrimeofLife
Rehabilitation
Skilled Nursing Care
Assisted Living
Specialized Memory Care
TRINITY
VILLAGE
Things To Do Before the Burial:

Meet with funeral director and clergy who will be
performing the service
Arrange care for babies and young children
Write a eulogy
Consult loved ones will for any special wishes
Assign someone to keep a list of callers, flower
tributes, gifts and donations.
Arrange lodging for out-of-town visitors
Send family and friends directions to church, funeral
home or crematorium and burial site
Prepare envelopes with honoraria for clergy and
musicians
Arrange a reception for after the funeral (if desired)
Prepare your home for visitors
Important Documents You Will Need:

Will
Birth Certificate
Social Security card
Military discharge papers
Insurance policies
Citizenship papers (if necessary)
Automobile title
Property deeds
Marriage license
Disability claims (if any)
All documents necessary for deceaseds taxes
Notify the Following:

Executor of loved ones estate
Loved ones attorney and accountant
All family members
Close friends of the deceased
All insurance agents
Loved ones physician and other healthcare
providers
Religious, fraternal, military, civic organizations
Things To Do After the Funeral:

Review Death Certificate information carefully. Obtain
10-15 copies.
Contact your regional Social Security Office and
inform them of your loved ones passing
Apply for Social Security death benefit. See www.
ssa.gov/pubs/10008.html for details (this document
will open in an Adobe PDF file)
Apply for Veterans death benefit (if applicable). See
www.cem.va.gov/bbene/ for details.
Call loved ones pension/retirement services and
insurance agents to get information about death
benefits
Send thank you cards to everyone who gave flowers,
gifts and donations
Properly dispose of medications and return or
donate medical equipment
Return library books and other borrowed items
End home or apartment lease, make final payment
and return keys
legal & financial
Significant accomplishments in life, including awards

and honors
Preferred charity for donations
PrimeofLife n 19
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Across
Down
1 - Spring back (6)
2 - Space shuttle (7)
5 - Work of creativity (3)
3 - Educational institutions (8)
7 - Noble gas (5)
4 - Hero (4)
8 - Forgive (7)
5 - Excite (7)
9 - Arms and legs (5)
6 - Thin papers (7)
10 - Forms of payment (8)
7 - Dares (anag) (5)
12 - Farmer (6)
11 - Bodily (8)
14 - Tall structures (6)
12 - Chats (7)
17 - Moan (8)
13 - Belief (7)
18 - Connective tissue (5)
15 - Clothing (7)
20 - Robbers at sea (7)
16 - Great successes (5)
21 - Unpleasant giants (5)
19 - Thin cable (4)
22 - Male offspring (3)

23 - Chooses (6)
Large Print Crossword Puzzle : www.largeprintpuzzles.com
1
20 n PrimeofLife
4
7
Answers on page 86
Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP

828-322-7741
www.patrickharperdixon.com
1. Not adding beneficiary designations

to assets, including bank accounts.
3. Putting the names of both spouses

on a vehicle.
Assets which pass by beneficiary designation

in North Carolina are not subject to probate or
probate tax. Even bank accounts can bear a
beneficiary designation. Adding a designation
to an account avoids probate and probate tax.
Make sure contingent beneficiary designations
are updated as well.
Vehicles do not pass by right of survivorship. If

both spouses are on the name of the vehicle,
the surviving spouse may have to administer
an estate when he or she would not otherwise
have had to do so in order to pass the one-half
interest in the vehicle.
2. Naming the estate as the beneficiary

of any tax deferred funds.
Retirement accounts are subject to strict payout
provisions if the estate is named as a beneficiary.
It can be a tax disaster. Dont do it.
legal & financial
Top Ten
Mistakes
in Estate Planning
Kimberly H. Whitley
Attorney
4. Naming a minor as a beneficiary of

an account or in the Will without
providing Trust or custodial provisions.
If a minor is named as beneficiary in a Will or on
an account without additional Trust or custodial
language, a guardian must be appointed to
handle the funds of the minor.
Continued on pg. 22
With BAYADA Home Health Care
I found the perfect match

for extra help at home.
Mary Lou P., Client
To be an artist is to believe in Life.

- Henry Moore
At Lenoir Healthcare, compassion is one of

our greatest talents and it is a gift that we are
able to give to each of our residents. even in an
increasingly fast-pased world, we continue to
embrace the art of caring.
Whether your stay is short or long, our goal is
to provide our residents with a perfect blend
of comfort, security and care and a lifestyle
that encompasses all aspects of health and
wellness.
Give us a call at 828-758-7326

322 Nuway Circle N.E., Lenoir, NC 28645
Mary Lou P. with Peggy Peck, her BAYADA Home Health Aide
BAYADA Home Health

Care provides nursing and
assistive care such as bathing
and grooming 24 hours, 7
days to keep adults of all
ages safe at home.
Call 828-327-3300 l www.bayada.com
Compassion. Excellence. Reliability.
PrimeofLife n 21
legal & financial

5. Establishing a Revocable Trust and
failing to fund it.
A Revocable Trust will only pass assets which
are titled in the name of the Trust. If assets are
not titled in the name of the Trust, they may
pass through the estate and be subjected to
probate tax in order to pour over into the Trust.
Essentially, the individual has expended funds
on a transfer mechanism which does not work as
intended.
6. Establishing a Revocable Trust when

it is not necessary.
In North Carolina, many assets can bypass
probate simply by adding a beneficiary
designation. North Carolina does not subject real
estate located in North Carolina to probate tax.
Therefore, in most cases, a Revocable Trust is
not necessary.
7. Owning out of state property in

individual names.
If out of state property is owned by individuals
without being transferred to a trust or to a limited
liability company, then a full estate administration
may be necessary in the other state in order to
pass title to the property. Establishing a simple
trust or an LLC to hold the real estate avoids
these issues.
distribution action, this rule does not apply at

death. Therefore, in the absence of a Prenuptial
or Postnuptial Agreement or Waiver of Right to
Inherit, the surviving spouse can make a claim
against the estate of the deceased spouse in an
amount up to 50% of all of the assets.
9. Failing to execute a Durable Power

of Attorney.
Often, spouses assume that the other spouse can
make financial decisions for them in the event
that they become incapacitated. To the contrary,
if an individual becomes incapacitated, no one
can access any assets owned by that individual
except jointly owned bank accounts or jointly
owned liquid assets. Real estate and vehicles
cannot be accessed or managed. Neither the
spouse nor the child can deal with insurance
companies, retirement plans, or any other assets.
The Durable Power of Attorney solves these
problems by avoiding the need for a guardianship
proceeding.
10. Executing a Durable Power of Attorney

and not recording it.
8. Failing to execute a Prenuptial

Agreement or Waiver of Inheritance
Rights in a second marriage.
North Carolina law provides that, once an

individual becomes mentally incapacitated, the
Durable Power of Attorney is no longer valid until
it is recorded in the county of residence of the
individual who signed it. The Register of Deeds
will not record a photocopy. Therefore, failing to
record the Durable Power of Attorney can have
disastrous consequences.
Even though assets which are acquired

before the marriage or which are acquired by
inheritance or gift during the marriage are not
generally subject to being split in an Equitable
*DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information only. It is

not intended as a source of legal advice, and no information
provided should be considered or relied upon as legal advice
on any specific matter.
22 n PrimeofLife
Considerations When Transferring Assets
hether its for asset protection

purposes or to simplify the distribution
of property after death, many people
desire to gift their houses to their
children or grandchildren during their
lifetimes. I just need a simple deed, is a common
request. And although it seems like a very simple
transaction, there are several issues that should be
carefully considered before ever putting pen to paper.
TAXES
Gifting real estate can have several tax

consequences. First, the donor may need to file a
federal gift tax return if the value of the gift exceeds
the annual gift tax exclusion (currently $14,000 per
person). Depending on the value of the gift, federal
gift tax may be owed. Second, lifetime gifts lose the
stepped up cost basis that results when property is
transferred at death. This could result in higher taxes
when the property is later sold. Lastly, the gift may
trigger the payment of rollback taxes if the property
is farm land or forestry that receives special use
valuation for property taxes. Rollback taxes go back
three years, and can sometimes be several thousand
dollars. Further, the new owner will need to file a new
special use application within a certain time period to
retain the discounted property tax rate.
Casey W. Pope
Attorney
828-322-7741
be forced out of the home if the child owning the

property dies unexpectedly, becomes disabled, gets
divorced, is sued, or files bankruptcy. If the donor
does not retain an interest in the home, his consent
will not be required to sell, gift, or mortgage the
property, even if he still lives there. Some of these
risks can be mitigated with proper planning by the
children through powers of attorney, last wills and
testaments, and umbrella insurance coverage.
legal & financial
LEAVING THE HOUSE

TO THE KIDS?
Lifetime gifts of a house or other assets can be a wise

decision. With careful thought and advance planning,
you can ensure the gift does not include unintended
consequences for you or your loved ones.
MEDICAID
Medicaid currently has a five year lookback on gifts.

There are exceptions to this rule for gifts to a spouse,
disabled child, or caregiver child (which applies only
to a gift of the residence). This lookback rule means
that the donor of the house will be penalized with a
period of Medicaid ineligibility if he or she applies for
benefits within five years of the gift. Many times, asset
protection will be a main reason for gifting the house,
so gifting should be accomplished well in advance of
the anticipated need for long term care.
828.572.4300
LIENS
Gifting a house which currently has a mortgage could

have the unintended consequence of triggering the
due on sale clause, causing the entire mortgage to
become due immediately. Federal law prohibits this if
the recipient is the donors child, however. Also, once
the child receives the house, any judgment liens or
tax liens that the child has may immediately attach to
the property. This could put the property at risk for
levy.
LOSS OF CONTROL
Finally, once a house is gifted, the donor loses a

great deal of control over the property. She could
PrimeofLife n 23
legal & financial
Know The Facts

About Reverse Mortgages
loan you do not have to pay back right

away? That cant be right! My mother
always told me, If it sounds too good
to be true it probably is! Well, not
in the case of a reverse mortgage.
You can get a loan on your home, have access
to the money now, and not have to pay it back
for years! But does that mean its a good idea?
Reverse mortgage loans are not for everyone.
Sarah Evitt
Aging Specialist
Western Piedmont Council of
Governments Area Agency on Aging
828-322-9191
www.wpcog.org
You should consider a reverse mortgage loan

if you are planning on staying in your home for
a long time. If you are at least 62 years old and
own your own home, a reverse mortgage may be
right for you. A reverse mortgage is a loan that
converts a portion of the equity in your home into
cash. The loan is due back to the lender, plus
interest, when the last surviving homeowner dies,
moves away permanently, or sells the home.
When considering a reverse mortgage it is
important to do your research. In North Carolina
you must meet in person with a certified
Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) reverse mortgage counselor. During the
private counseling session the counselor will
review the homeowners situation and discuss
all aspects of a reverse mortgage, as well as
other options the homeowner may consider.
The counselor can address any questions the
homeowner may have, but cannot provide advice
or direct the homeowner towards any specific
course of action.
Not only are older adults fearful that
reverse mortgages are scams, there are
many misconceptions that have led to
misunderstanding of a reverse mortgage. When
considering a reverse mortgage it is important to
consider the difference between the myths and
the facts.
Myth #1: If I get a reverse mortgage I will

have to sign my house over to the bank.
When a borrower applies for a reverse mortgage

loan they still maintain ownership of the property,
therefore they do not have to sign anything over
to a lender or a bank. Homeownership means
the homeowner is still responsible for paying
the property taxes, homeowners insurance, and
maintenance on the home.
Myth #2: Most people who take out a

reverse mortgage are elderly widows.
A reverse mortgage can be the answer for various

financial needs. Many couples seek a reverse
mortgage loan to complete updates on their
home. Other may seek a reverse mortgage to
prepare for an upcoming medical procedure, pay
caregivers to keep a loved one at home, or just
as a means to increase income to meet monthly
expenses.
24 n PrimeofLife
legal & financial
$
Myth #3: I must own my home free and clear
or I do not qualify for a reverse mortgage.
If you are still making payments on your home
you may still be eligible for a reverse mortgage. A
reverse mortgage loan would pay off the remainder
of your balance while you still maintain ownership.
Myth #4: If I get a reverse mortgage, Im

leaving a burden for my family to pay.
mortgage. It is guaranteed there will always

be enough funds from the sale of the property
to pay back the loan, or the funds will be paid
out of mortgage insurance. It does not come
out of the familys pocket. The family also has
the option to keep the home and use their
own funds to pay back the loan.
If you would like more information about a
reverse mortgage, contact a certified reverse
mortgage counselor at (828) 485-4216.
When the last borrower dies, their property goes

to their heirs as specified in their will. The heirs
are then responsible for paying back the reverse
An unforgettable memorial
takes planning.
When you plan ahead, you can design every

detail of your own final tribute. That way, your
loved ones wont have to guess what you would
have wanted, and youll have true peace of mind.
Get started today with a FREE booklet

filled with memorial ideas.
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Funeral Homes
828-464-3031
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WILLIS-REYNOLDS
Funeral Home
Funeral Home & Crematory
828-322-3010
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NEWTON
PrimeofLife n 25
legal & financial
Feeling
Insecure
About Social Security?
ocial security was started in 1935 by

President Roosevelt. The program
at that time was designed to only
support retired workers as a safety
net. Through the decades it has
transformed into a more encompassing program
that now also includes Medicare, benefits for
spouses, minor children, and disabled workers.
Many Americans are starting to question whether
or not Social Security will still be available by the
time they retire.
Weve been cautioned about the long-term
stability of Social Security for at least 40 years.
As life expectancies continue to increase and
the number of seniors on the programs becomes
ever greater, the pressure for the system to
continue to pay will be threatened.
Less money going in and more money going out
usually leads to bankruptcy. This is the current
predicament for Social Security, but theres still
plenty of time for Congress to act. However,
changes are necessary to keep the Social
Security program solvent.
Understand The Future Of Social Security:

1. By the end of the next decade we will have
the lowest number of workers feeding the
system compared to retirees being paid from
the system. More money is removed from the
Social Security each year. At one time, there were
15 workers to each retiree. Now the ratio is below
3 to 1. Currently, the Social Security program is
paying out more money than it receives by the
Americans working and paying into the system..
2. The current predictions are disturbing. Its
estimated that the Social Security trust funds
will run out in 2034. Understand what that
means. From 1983 until 2010, the Social Security
program was running surpluses. That excess
money was placed in a trust fund. Normally, the
26 n PrimeofLife
Doug Frye & Barbara Frye

Wealth Strategists
Spinnaker Financial
800-720-8170
www.spinnakerfin.com
Social Security payments are made to retirees

using payroll taxes from current workers paying
into the system.
Social Security is beginning to dip into that trust
fund because of a shortfall. More money is being
paid in benefits than the government is collecting
from the current workforce. Its believed that the
excess money will be exhausted in 2034. At that
point, the current workers will only be able to
cover 80% of the necessary payments.
3. The outcome is uncertain. The current laws
do not permit greater payments than the amount
supported by Social Security taxes and the
surplus. Congress could change the laws and
that Social Security taxes could be raised.
Current proposals suggest the retirement age
be raised even higher, potentially pay less
in benefits, or increase taxes on the wealthy.
Considering that we have 19 years, it is
questionable if Congress is in a big hurry to open
this issue of public policy anytime soon.
4. The long-term prospects are even worse.
The current projections show that by 2030 the
worker to recipient of benefits ratio will be below
two. That means less that two people will be
working for every one person receiving benefits.
This deterioration to the system is unsustainable.
Its unlikely that Social Security will disappear.
However, its possible that benefits could be cut
down to smaller amounts. You can also expect to
work longer.
This just highlights the fact that retirement
planning is so important. Making sure your nest
egg will last the potential 25 years of retirement
many seniors are facing is a critical step. With
Social Security, Medicare and tax elimination
strategies, an enjoyable and stable retirement
is possible.
What does this Award

really mean to You and
Your Community Hospital?
828/326-3000
Follow us on Facebook
facebook.com/CatawbaValleyMedicalCenter
legal & financial
Legal Guardianship
What It Is, When You Need It, and How To Get It
magine this situation: your elderly father,

always fiercely independent, has just
suffered a massive stroke. He is currently
in the hospital but will likely be discharged
within the week. He lives alone in the
country, isolated and with no family nearby. The
stroke has left him unable to speak and unable
to walk, but you already know that as soon as
he is discharged, your father will want to return
home. You are overwhelmed with everything
that is facing you. Can you force your father to
move into an assisted living facility? How can you
access his financial information to determine how
much money he has, and where? If you can find
him a spot in a facility, how will you pay for it?
28 n PrimeofLife
Nancy L. Huegerich
Attorneys at Law
Huegerich and Winger, PLLC
828-855-1889
www.hwlawnc.com
If you father has not previously executed a Durable

Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of
Attorney, and is now, due to illness, age, or some
other factor, not competent to execute such a
document, you may need to go to court to obtain
guardianship. A court-appointed guardian has the
legal authority, as well as responsibility, to manage
an incompetent wards affairs. Depending on the
circumstances, you will need to ask the Clerk to
appoint you guardian of the person, of the estate,
or both. A guardian of the person is authorized to
make provision for another persons care, comfort,
and maintenance, including living arrangements
and healthcare decisions, and taking reasonable
care of the persons possessions. A guardian of
So, youve determined that you need to apply

to the court to be appointed guardian of your
fathers person and estate. What next? First,
before going down this path, be sure that you have
determined that a Durable Power of Attorney and
Healthcare Power of Attorney do not exist. If, prior
to becoming incompetent, your father executed
such documents, he likely would have identified
the person he would want to manage his affairs
and transferred effective legal authority to that
person in the documents, so that a guardianship
proceeding is unnecessary.
If you determine that no such documents exist,
you will need to petition the court to appoint
you guardian. You do this by filing a Petition and
Application for Guardianship and a Guardianship
Questionnaire. These documents are available on
the Administrative Office of the Court website, at
www.nccourts.org.
You must provide notice of the hearing to all adult

children of the respondent as well as his spouse, if
living. You should bring your father to the hearing,
if possible. The Clerk of Court and the Guardian ad
Litem will have an opportunity to question you as
to your fathers incompetence and your petition to
be appointed guardian.
If the Clerk finds that there is clear, cogent,
and convincing evidence that your father is
incompetent, then the Clerk will rule that your
father is incompetent and will appoint a guardian.
If the Clerk also finds that you are the most
appropriate person to manage your fathers affairs,
she will grant your petition and appoint you. This
article will not go into the responsibilities that you
will have as guardian, but you should keep in mind
that everything you do will be subject to the courts
oversight and approval, including how you spend
your fathers assets on his behalf.
legal & financial
the estate is authorized to perform every act that

the person could perform himself incident to the
collection, preservation, management, and use of
the persons money and assets.
You should also, if at all possible, obtain a

statement from the respondents physician
supporting your contention that he is not
competent to manage his affairs, and include
this statement with your petition. Once you
have completed the forms, you will file them
with the Clerk of Superior Courts
office and you will be given a
hearing date. The Clerk of
Court will appoint an attorney
to represent your father in
the proceeding, called a
Guardian ad Litem.
PrimeofLife n 29
SAY HELLO
TO THE QUALITY OF DUKE LIFEPOINT HEALTHCARE

Frye Regional Medical Center is now part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare. For the communities we
serve that means nationally renowned clinical and quality guidance, but with a Hickory address.
As a Duke LifePoint hospital, were opening the door to bring newer technology and more
doctors specializing in the types of care we need most, right here at home.
Welcome to wellness with more resources than ever before.
To learn more about our services and Duke LifePoint Healthcare, visit MyFryeRegional.com
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
hen an individual dies, family

members often delay or fail
to assess what kind of estate
administration may be necessary.
Many times, individuals think
that no administration is necessary when the
first spouse dies. To the contrary, some kind of
administration is often required, and the failure
to administer the estate can create big issues in
the future. On a brighter note, there are several
alternatives to a full estate administration which
can serve to transfer title to assets legally without
the expense involved in a full administration.
These options are discussed below:
1. DMV Form MVR-317

If the only asset to be transferred is a vehicle,
then an individual heir can obtain a Form MVR317 from the DMV and take it to the Clerk of
Courts office. The Form is completed by the
individual and signed and sealed on the back
by the Clerk. The individual then takes this Form
to the DMV, and the vehicle can be transferred.
Please remember that vehicles titled jointly in the
names of spouses do not automatically pass in
full to the other spouse. Some kind of paperwork
is necessary to transfer the one-half (1/2) interest
owned by the deceased spouse to the name of
the surviving spouse.
2. Affidavit of Collection
If the personal property passing through an
estate equals $30,000.00 with a surviving spouse
as the sole heir, or $20,000.00 where there are
other heirs, then an individual can perform an
Affidavit of Collection, which does not involve
a notice to creditors and which does not cut off
creditors claims. This administration, however,
only involves filing an initial Affidavit as well as
a final Affidavit of Distribution and Disbursement
within three (3) months thereafter. The Clerk
issues an Affidavit of Collection with a seal which
an individual can take to the bank or DMV for
asset transfers.
3. Summary Administration
Where the surviving spouse is the sole heir,
any assets which pass through probate can be
transferred by a Summary Administration Form,
Kimberly H. Whitley
Attorney
828-322-7741
in which all assets are simply assigned to the

spouse. The spouse must sign a statement
indicating that he or she is accepting all liabilities
which may be incurred by the estate.
legal & financial
ESTATE
ADMINISTRATION
4. Years Allowance Form

North Carolina law entitles a surviving spouse to
$30,000.00 off the top of an estate, whether or
not the decedent had a Last Will and Testament.
Therefore, if the surviving spouse is the sole heir
and the property totals thirty thousand dollars
($30,000.00) or less, then a Years Allowance
form can be used to give the property to the
surviving spouse, even if the Will would direct
the property otherwise.
5. Appointment of Limited Personal

Representative
For a situation where an Affidavit of Collection,
Years Allowance, or Summary Administration
could otherwise be used, but where an individual
wants to cut off creditors claims, then a Limited
Personal Representative can be appointed to cut
off those claims and notify creditors.
6. Certificate of Probate
If property is owned jointly by husband and
wife or is owned as joint tenants with rights of
survivorship, then it passes automatically on
death. If property, however, is only in the name
of one individual, then the Will must be probated
(not simply filed) and a Certificate of Probate
must be entered in order to pass title to real
estate. These documents must be filed in any
county in North Carolina where real estate is
owned. Failure to do so results in title not being
passed with regard to real estate.
7. Combination
Many of the above-referenced shortcuts can be
used in combination with each other to pass
many assets without a full Estate Administration.
Proper use of these procedures can save a great
deal of time and expense.
PrimeofLife n 31
medical
Is Neuropathy
Getting On Your Last Nerve?
erve damage from diabetes is called

diabetic neuropathy. According to the
American Diabetes Association, about
half of all people with diabetes have
some form of nerve damage. It is more
common in those that have had the disease for a
number of years. Neuropathy can lead to many
kinds of problems.
What are the signs and symptoms? It depends
upon the type of neuropathy that is present.
Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness or
tingling of the feet and lower legs, pain or burning
sensations and/or loss of sensation in the feet or
lower legs. Proximal neuropathy may cause pain in
the hips, buttocks or thighs, and weakness of the
legs. Autonomic neuropathy symptoms can present
in a variety and/or combination of the following:
Nausea and or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,
dizziness, feeling full after eating a small amount,
erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness, and
loss of bladder control.
Robin Tallent, BSN, RN-BC, CDE

Diabetes Outreach Program Coordinator
Catawba Valley Medical Center
828-326-3442
www.catawbavalleymedical.org
How is it diagnosed? Diabetic neuropathy is

diagnosed by your physician based on your
symptoms, medical history, and physical exam.
A nerve conduction test can be used to measure
the loss of nerve function and help your physician
determine treatment.
What are the treatment options? While diabetic
neuropathy cannot be cured, there are treatments
available to help manage some of the symptoms.
There are several medication options available
to help minimize and in some cases prevent the
symptoms. The type of medication will vary based
on your specific symptoms. One major treatment
goal for all neuropathies is keeping the blood
glucose levels under good control with diet and
medication so that it does not worsen. Keeping
your blood glucose levels under control has
been shown to improve symptoms and prevent
worsening of pain.
If this is you, then what can you do? Prevention
is key. Keeping your blood sugars under control
is the best way to prevent the progression of
diabetic neuropathy. Avoiding smoking, getting
regular exercise and eating a healthy diet are other
measures that can help you have the best longterm outcome.
Speak with your physician to see which exercise
program might be the best for you. Low impact
exercises such as swimming, water aerobics, and
yoga are usually good choices to improve balance
and promote relaxation. High impact exercises may
actually make symptoms worse in some cases.
Special care should be given to the feet since
neuropathy may interfere with you realizing you are
developing blisters or cuts on your feet. Inspect
your feet daily and protect your feet with shoes at
all times when out of bed. Make sure your physician
is inspecting your feet at each visit and performing
a comprehensive foot exam yearly. Proper footwear
is vital. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and
not causing blisters or abrasions to your feet.
If you want to know more about diabetic
neuropathy and other issues related to your
diabetes, ask your physician for a referral to a local
diabetes education program.
32 n PrimeofLife
Superhighway Clean
he circulatory system is like a

superhighway inside your body. There
are nearly 60,000 miles of veins and
arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood and
nutrients to your organs. When your
blood vessels are diseased, your life could be
in danger.
Vascular disease is something that doctors still
do not fully understand. What is known about
it is that once the process occurs it cannot be
reversed or stopped. The disease affects your
veins and arteries, making it difficult for your
blood to circulate around the body. People who
suffer from vascular disease are more at risk of
a heart attack and stroke. The disease can be
a hereditary condition but here are some of the
other risk factors involved:
Being male
Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diet and weight
Stress
Vascular disease is caused by inflammation
and weakness of the veins and arteries. Fatty
deposits build up along the walls inside the
blood vessels. The accumulation of these
deposits happens over a long period of time
and can be virtually symptomless. Normally
this problem only becomes apparent when
the arteries and veins become so damaged,
the blood flow to vital organs and muscles is
compromised, causing a lack of mobility, pain
and tissue death.
One of the most common forms of vascular
disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD),
which is when the arteries in your legs are
affected. It is estimated that 9% of the population
suffer from PAD, which causes painful legs when
walking, ulceration and amputation. Vascular
specialists may also treat things like a stroke,
an abdominal aortic aneurysm, venous disease,
Raynauds syndrome, carotid-artery disease,
deep-vein thrombosis, and foot and leg ulcers.
Frye Regional Medical Center

828-315-3036
www.fryemedctr.com
According to K. Todd Piercy, MD, FACS, If I

could give only one piece of advice regarding
vascular disease, it would be to never begin
smoking or to stop smoking if you already do.
Smoking is the single worst thing that one can
do for their overall health but particularly for their
vasculature. Here are some other ways that you
can reduce the risk of getting vascular disease:
medical
Keeping Your Bodys
K. Todd Piercy, MD, FACS
Eat a healthy diet and control your blood

sugar levels
Lose weight if you are overweight
Keep an eye on your blood pressure
Be aware of any new conditions or changes
in your body
Have regular medical examinations, at least
once a year
Take your medication as prescribed by your
doctor
DePaul Senior Living

All Inclusive Community
Cambridge House
Assisted Living
Hickory Village
Memory Care
828-325-4980
828-322-2230
Amber Minton
Administrator
aminton@depaul.org
Susan Blizzard
Administrator
sblizzard@depaul.org
114 10th St. NE

Hildebran, NC 28637
427 Third Ave., SE

Hickory, NC 28602
PrimeofLife n 33
medical
The Prescription
Only Your Body Can Write
assage has been around since the

beginning of time. Most people
picture candles, dim lighting, serene
music and a relaxing environment.
Very few associate massage as a
therapy for many ailments that we suffer from as
we age.
Common Ailments Treated by Medical Massage
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel
Parkinsons Disease
Tendonitis
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathy
Migraines
Plantar Fascitis
Frozen Shoulder
Vertigo
Back & Neck Pain
Sciatica
Medical massage helps manage or treat these

ailments that keep us in a state of pain and/or
discomfort. It can also be used in conjunction with
other forms of treatment including physical therapy
and chiropractic care. Our bodies are made to heal
themselves and medical massage helps your body
do just that.
Elechia Morgan, MMP, LMBT

MuscleRx
828-322-6979
www.mymusclerx.com
Healing from the inside out

Depending on your lifestyle, injuries, and habits, we
move in specific ways that stress the muscles that
balance our musculoskeletal system. These actions
can produce uneven strengths and weaknesses
within the body. When this occurs, our skeletal
structures will compensate by moving out of
alignment causing discomfort and pain in various
areas of our body. Misalignment of the spine may
also affect the muscle tissue, organs and immune
system of the body.
Our body has 650 muscles. Muscles play a huge
role in your bodys daily functioning. Not only
do they control our movement, they also provide
protection for our nerves, organs, and bones.
These magnificent fibers also use everyday
movements to push water and lymph through our
system to keep everything lubricated and working
properly. Muscles are intricately designed and
are often labeled as complicated to work with, so
modern day medicine has taken a short cut in fixing
muscular problems by prescribing an alarming
number of muscle relaxers, pain relievers and
cortisone shots. These options only mask the issue
and lead to other issues including addiction. No
one wants to be in pain but they dont know what
else to do, so they keep taking the pills. Another
issue that arises out of pain medication use is an
individual further injuring themselves because the
medicine masked the pain.
Medical massage is an alternative therapy that
can release and retrain the uneven muscles to
re-balance the body. Benefits include increased
energy, range of motion, productivity, immune
system function, circulation, strength, balance,
and flexibility. It also decreases pain, illness, stress,
blood pressure, muscle aches, muscle cramps,
anxiety, and depression. Medical massage is
more than just the manipulation of the muscles,
it eliminates and removes interferences that exist
within the bodys muscle structure. This form of
healthcare is a vital part in the bodys optimal
design of healing itself from the inside out!
34 n PrimeofLife
or Do I have Vertigo?
ave you ever felt as if you were

spinning, like on a tilt-a-whirl
ride at the amusement park?
Or maybe you have felt like the
room was spinning around you?
The term vertigo comes from the Latin verb
to turn. The emedicinehealth.com definition
for vertigo is the feeling of a sense that
your environment is spinning. The Merriam
Webster definition includes A sensation
of motion which is associated with various
disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which

828-315-3186
www.fryemedctr.com
the individual or the individuals surroundings

seem to whirl dizzily. Spinning dizziness is
called vertigo and the spinning sensation
directly refers to a disorder of the inner ear or
vestibular system.
medical
Am I Dizzy
Stefanie Cozad, PT, NCS
Some people use the term vertigo to describe

being dizzy, off balance, lightheaded,
unsteady or about to pass out. But vertigo is
very specific and requires the sensation of
spinning to truly be vertigo. If the inner ear is
not working correctly, your movements
Continued on pg. 36
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PrimeofLife n 35
medical
cannot be detected accurately, and your nervous
system will become chaotic. The result is vertigo
or a spinning sensation that can happen simply
from standing up or rolling over. A true disorder of
the inner ear will result in symptoms triggered by
movement either of your entire body or head alone.
Dizziness without vertigo may indicate a problem
other than in the inner ear.
A common type of vertigo is Positional Vertigo
(BPPV). It can be caused by getting hit on the head,
a whiplash injury, or a fall. Small crystals in the
inner ear break off when you fall or hit your head.
Simple movements such as rolling over or standing
up can trigger these crystals to float around in the
ear and cause a strong but brief episode of vertigo.
Normal aging processes can also cause these
crystals to break off making positional vertigo one
of the most common causes of dizziness in people
over the age of 80. Often one or two sessions with
a trained vestibular professional can eliminate your
symptoms of positional vertigo.
There are multiple causes for dizziness which
do not involve the inner ear. Some of those
problems include arrhythmia, stroke, heart attack,
defective heart valves, orthostatic hypotension,
hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, and
brain tumors. Dizziness may also be a side
effect of drugs, toxic chemical exposure or even
anxiety. Symptoms may include lightheadedness,
unsteadiness, or pressure. Other specific
disorders that can affect the inner ear include
Menieres disease, multiple sclerosis, bacterial
36 n PrimeofLife
or viral infections or brain injury and may include

symptoms other than vertigo. Some of these
disorders can be life threatening and require
immediate attention. It is very important to see your
physician when you experience dizziness that does
not resolve on its own so that further assessment to
identify the cause can be initiated.
Providing your doctor with as much information
as possible will help to identify the cause of your
dizziness. Details of your symptoms including how
often the symptoms occur, how long the dizziness
lasts, and activities that seem to trigger your
symptoms, are especially important to complete
your medical assessment. A complete list of current
drugs, including over the counter drugs and use
of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol should also be
included as well as any allergies. Your physician
may refer you to a specialist in vestibular disorders
to further evaluate the cause of your symptoms.
Specialists include medically trained physicians
who specialize in the ear including Ear, Nose
and Throat doctors (ENT) otolaryngologists,
neurologists or neuro-otologists. A physical
therapist that specializes in balance disorders
or vestibular rehabilitation can also assist with
identification and treatment of an inner ear problem.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is one form of treatment
for an inner ear disorder and, in some cases, can
completely eliminate the symptoms.
So, the next time you feel dizzy, you will know that
there is help for that.
The Basics of
What is Short-term Rehabilitation?
Short-term rehabilitation facilities provide therapy

for individuals recovering from elective and nonelective surgery, illness or accident. Short-term
rehabilitation programs help patients achieve
their maximum functional capacity and get back
to their homes and community in the shortest
time possible with a typical goal being 10 days or
less. To achieve this goal, patients may receive
physical, occupational and speech therapy from
highly skilled therapists. Therapists are part of
a team that includes physicians, nurses, social
workers, nutritionists and activity professionals
who work with the patient and family members to
develop an individualized care plan.
Abernethy Laurels
828-465-8028
www.abernethylaurels.org
replacement would have short-term goals to

increase their range of motion by a certain
amount and increase the distance they can
safely ambulate. The long-term goals would be
to reduce or possibly eliminate pain and return to
everyday activities. To ensure a smooth transition
to home, many rehabilitation facilities will assist
with setting up home care services.
medical
Short-Term
Rehabilitation
Lisa Union
Director of Admissions
How long will I be in

therapy daily?
Therapy patients are reviewed on an individual

basis by a comprehensive team of medical
professionals. This team reviews your admitting
diagnoses and your ability to withstand the
frequency and the amount of therapy needed.
Typically, a patient is in therapy 2-3 hours each
day.
COMFORT. SECURITY.
COMMUNITY.
Live fully at Brookdale.
Does Medicare Cover Short-Term

Rehabilitation?
Traditional Medicare may pay for rehab in a

skilled nursing facility in some cases. After
you have been in a hospital for at least 3 days,
Medicare will pay for inpatient rehab for up to
100 days in a benefit period. A benefit period
starts when you go into the hospital. It ends
when you have not received any hospital care
or skilled nursing care for 60 days. Medicare
pays for the first 20 days at 100%. For the next
80 days, you must pay a daily co-payment.
Medicare does not pay for rehab after 100 days.
If you go into the hospital for at least 3 days after
one benefit period has ended, a new benefit
period starts. You can have as many benefit
periods as you need. For more information, call
Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
Goals and Outcome
The rehabilitation team and/or therapist sets

short and long term goals for each issue. For
instance, a person recovering from a knee
Brookdale Falling Creek
brookdale.com
Assisted Living
910 29th Avenue North East | Hickory, NC 28601-1135

(828) 328-6090
BrookdaleBrandWorks
BROOKDLE is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, US
PrimeofLife n 37
medical
Disposing Unused
Medicines
What You Should Know
edicines play an important role

in treating many conditions and
diseases, but they must be taken
with care and disposed of properly to
avoid harm. Medications, particularly
prescription ones, should be taken only under the
guidance of your physician and exactly as ordered.
But, sometimes, for a variety of reasons, medicines
remain and need disposal. What then?
Many communities have a take-back program
for disposing expired, unwanted or unused
medications, reducing the chance that others
may take it accidentally. This is the best way of
disposing unused medicines. In Catawba County,
the Foothills Coalition Pill Stoppers have drop
boxes for disposing unwanted medications located
at the Catawba County Sheriffs Office in Newton,
Claremont Police Department, Conover Police
Department, Hickory Police Department, Newton
Police Department and Maiden Police Department.
For details about the take-back program, please
contact the Catawba County Sheriffs Office at
828-465-8336. For take-back program information
in other counties, simply contact a pharmacy,
police department or sheriffs office in your county.
When a take-back program is not available, many
families simply dispose of unused medications
by throwing them away or flushing them down a
toilet. Both offer relatively safe ways to dispose of
medications, if proper steps are taken.
If you wish to dispose of medications in your
household trash, you may do so safely by mixing
intact medicines with an unpalatable substance
such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds. Avoid
38 n PrimeofLife
Frances S. Hall
Founder
ACAP - Hickory
877-599-ACAP
www.acapcommunity.org
crushing tablets or capsules before adding them

to another substance, however. After the medicine
and other substance are thoroughly combined,
place the mixture in a container or sealed plastic
bag, and throw the container in your household
trash.
Some medicines may be harmful and, in some
cases, even fatal in a single dose if used by
someone other than the person for whom the
medicine was prescribed. For that reason, although
disposing of medicines using the above guidelines
should be safe, certain medications warrant extra
precautions and should be disposed of either
through a take-back program or flushing. You may
check the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations
website (www.fda.gov) to determine if yours is one
of the medications that should be disposed of with
special diligence.
Although recent reports have noted trace
amounts of medicines in the water systems, the
FDA believes the majority of such are a result
of the bodys natural routes of drug elimination.
Scientists, to date, have found no evidence of
harmful effects to human health from medicines
in the environment. The FDA believes that any
potential risk to people and the environment
from flushing small amounts of medicines is
far outweighed by the real possibility of lifethreatening risks from accidental ingestion of them.
For more information, about disposing of unused
or unwanted medications, please talk with your
physician, pharmacist, police department or
sheriffs office, or consult the FDAs website at
www.fda.gov.
There is help
rostate cancer is the second most

common cancer in America after skin
cancer. In 2014, the American Cancer
Society predicted 233,000 new cases
of prostate cancer. Nearly 100%
of men survive 5 years after a diagnosis of
prostate cancer. After 10 years, that number is
99%; after 15 years, 94%.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Age: the average age at diagnosis is
between 65-70
Race: African American men are at the
highest risk, then Caucasian and Hispanic
men, with Asian/Pacific Islander and Native
American men having the lowest incidence
Family history: Having one immediate
family member with prostate cancer
doubles the risk
Lifestyle Factors: A high fat diet is
linked to increased risk while a diet
that incorporates more vegetables may
lower risk. Vitamin E and vitamin D have
demonstrated positive results with risk
reduction, and men who are overweight
are at increased risk
Prostate Function And Dysfunction

The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder
that sits behind the pubic bone and in front of
the rectum. The primary function of the prostate
is to produce prostatic fluid. It also acts as a
valve to keep urine and sperm flowing in the
right direction. Damage to or removal of the
prostate due to cancer treatment often leads to
incontinence.
Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence after
Prostate Surgery:
Age
Removal of the prostate
Prior prostate surgery (i.e. TURP)
Issues with incontinence before surgery
Removal of additional tissue or structures
Early Post-operative Management of Urinary
Incontinence
A catheter is often worn for 3-6 days after surgery.
Once removed the patient often does not have
any urge to urinate. Due to decreased sensation
Brett Montague, PT, DPT

828-315-3186
www.fryemedctr.com
and/or leakage, they may wear up to 10 pads a

day or need more coverage such as Depends.
Some men experience continual leakage; others
may only leak during movement or at the end of
the day as the muscles become fatigued. As the
surgical site is healing, and depending on the
extent of the surgery and the surgical technique,
the patient can start using behavioral strategies
to recover continence.
medical
Urinary Incontinence
After Prostate cancer?
Physical Therapy Treatment for Urinary

Incontinence
Once the catheter has been removed,
rehabilitation can begin. Pelvic floor muscle
examination by a trained professional can be
performed to determine if muscle strengthening
is appropriate. Evaluation may include external
examination as well as use of surface EMG
(biofeedback). Behavioral modifications and
dietary strategies can be used right away.
Common Therapy Treatment Approaches
Patients can be seen as early as 7-10 days
after surgery depending on the medical doctor.
Evaluation and treatment using biofeedback
surface electrodes can help the patient learn
proper pelvic floor muscle control. Exercises
targeted to these specific pelvic floor muscles
will provide pelvic muscle strengthening that can
improve urinary continence. If needed, bladder
re-training is started and can include things like
a bladder diary, and monitoring of food and
beverage intake. Lifting restrictions are reviewed
with the patient and proper lifting techniques
are demonstrated based on the individuals
restrictions set by the doctor. During this time
the patient is gradually introduced to pelvic
floor exercises that are done while performing
activities of daily living. This will help the
individual regain his normal function and improve
his quality of life.
Urinary incontinence following prostate cancer
treatment is not something that has to be silently
suffered through. If you are dealing with this, talk
to you doctor and ask them about your options
for treatment. More information on prostate
cancer can be found at www.cancer.gov/types/
prostate.
PrimeofLife n 39
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Answers on page 86
40 n PrimeofLife
For You?
alliative medicine is sometimes

explained by industry
professionals as advanced care,
supportive care, or an extra layer
of care. Its a useful description
for an area of health care that is typically
hard to pin down, namely because it varies
according to what each patient needs.
Palliative means to comfort or to soothe,
and thats the main focus of the providers
attending to individuals with serious
828-464-9459
www.yourlifetransitions.org
illness. Most basically, these patients have

symptoms that need to be managed or pain
that needs to be controlled. If COPD is the
diagnosis, strategies for easier breathing
are planned. If a tumor is affecting organs
internally, the goal is for relief from
discomfort.
medical
Is Palliative Care
Life Transitions
Palliative medicine is not a traveling pain

clinic, though. The Nurse Practitioners
(NPs) regularly see patients and
have conversations about hopes and
Continued on pg. 42
Exceptional care.
Right where you are.
828.466.0466
CatawbaRegionalHospice.org
3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658
7473 Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
PrimeofLife n 41
medical
anticipations relative to the illness. The NPs
provide guidance about disease progression and
help folks understand what to expect.
the doctor. This frequency and attentiveness

comprise the extra layer of care thats key to
palliative medicines success.
NPs also emphasize the importance of making

early decisions about the types of care a patient
might choose (or not choose) in the long-term.
With the familys involvement, they help clarify
and document health care wishes. These
measures ultimately help everyone stay on the
same page and work to downplay any potential
conflicts.
Among the additional services palliative medicine

may offer are referrals for occupational or
physical therapy, plus home health if necessary.
NPs can also acquire items like hospital beds,
wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks. All of these
components contribute to a holistic care scenario,
addressing the patients complete health picture
rather than dealing with small, individual needs.
NPs also evaluate all of a patients medications,

often streamlining the mix a patient takes or
adjusting dosages for better responsiveness.
In most cases, NPs consult with the patients
Primary Care Physician (PCP) and arrive at
solutions together. This collaboration is beneficial
to continuity of care; however, the palliative
medicine NP has two advantages that a PCP
typically doesnt.
This total picture also embraces a practical

perspective on disease progression. Many
patients are seniors who crave details, so the
NPs give them realistic expectations about
their illnesses and talk with them about life
expectancy. Armed with knowledge and a sense
of whats to come, the patients gain a heightened
sense of control, even in the midst of illness.
This empowerment can be just as valuable
to a persons outlook as suppressing pain or
rebalancing medications.
First, she often visits the patient at home,

gathering information, evaluating the
surroundings, and treating the patient in a familiar
environment. Secondly, the NP sees patients
for longer visits. Along the way, she monitors
symptoms and outcomes while consulting with
42 n PrimeofLife
Adding to the benefits is the encouraging news

that palliative medicine services are generally
covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private
insurance.
to the retirement years
t is hard to meet someone who does not

own a pet. According to the Humane
Society of the United States, in the U.S.
alone there are 78.2 million households
that own dogs and 86.4 million that own
cats. Many own more than one cat or dog
or they have both in their homes. Those are
huge numbers, so it is no surprise that over
half of those who own pets are older adults
age fifty and up, and as the Baby Boomer
generation retires many of them will be living
with an animal companion.
Hickory Public Library

828-304-0500
www.hickorync.gov/library
Owning a pet is a great responsibility. In

addition to feeding, cats need clean litter
boxes and dogs need to be walked daily.
They need vaccinations, regular veterinary
care, grooming, and lots of love and
attention. For some senior citizens with
health, financial or other issues, pets are too
much to handle. For others, the benefits of
having a furry companion far outweigh the
work they require.
Quality of Life
Pets bring life
Tamara Faulkner
Outreach Coordinator
Continued on pg. 44
PrimeofLife n 43
Quality of Life
Multiple research studies have proven that pets
are good for our health, no matter our age or
physical condition. Simply stroking a cat or dogs
fur lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and
reduces mental stress. Walking a dog several times
a day strengthens the heart muscle, exercises the
body, lowers blood sugar and relieves anxiety,
not to mention experiencing the joy of spending
time outdoors. A cats purr when she is sitting on
your lap also lowers blood pressure and relaxes
tense muscles after a long day. In addition to these
physical benefits, the knowledge that another living
creature is depending on you to meet his needs is
enough to get you up and moving in the morning.
The companionship that pets provide is priceless
for those who are pet parents, no matter what
their age.
There are some issues that older adults face
when choosing a pet companion. If you want a
dog, choose the breed and size carefully. If you
are active and enjoy being outdoors, you may be
able to choose a medium or larger-sized dog such
as a collie or a retriever. Less active people may
want to choose a smaller breed or one that does
not require a lot of exercise, such as a dachshund
or toy breed. To avoid the housebreaking puppy
stage, pick an adult dog, and consider adopting
from a shelter or rescue organization in your area.
44 n PrimeofLife
These dogs are looking for their forever homes, and

are great choices for any family household. Staff
members are available to help you choose which
dog is best for your needs.
Choosing a cat is about matching personalities
more than breed or size. Most cats are either
short-haired or long-haired, and both cats and
dogs shed some hair. A cat with long hair will
require regular brushing and perhaps occasional
professional grooming. Shorter haired cats just
require an occasional brushing. Consider your
personality and try to choose a cat that matches it.
If you are a happy-go-lucky person, pick a young
cat with a bouncy personality. If you prefer a quiet
atmosphere, look for an older cat that is more
sedate. Spend some time with any pet you are
considering as a companion. Again, shelters are full
of adult cats, kittens, dogs and puppies who need
homes, and you will be giving one a new life by
adopting from the shelter.
There are many local shelters and rescue groups in
the Unifour area, including the Humane Society of
Catawba County, which is no-kill, and the Catawba
County Animal Shelter. Both organizations work
hard to place animals. Outside Catawba County,
other shelters and animal rescue groups offer
pets for adoption also. They are always full of
One more thing to remember: dogs and cats can live a

long time, many over ten years. Other pets like exotic
birds and reptiles may live twenty or thirty years. It is
possible that you may require long term care and be
unable to take care of your pet, or your pet companion
will outlive you, so you need to make preparations for
your pets care when you are no longer able. Make
arrangements with a willing friend or family member
to take in your dog or cat, and allow them to spend
time with each other so neither will be overwhelmed
by the transition to a new home. Make copies of your
veterinary records, and try to provide some kind
financial assistance for the person who will take

care of your precious Fluffy or Fido. It is sad
when beloved pets end up in a shelter because
their owners became ill or passed away, and
it is difficult for animals to adjust to shelter life
when they have lived with the same person for
years. They grieve for their lost person just like
humans do, so make sure you have made good
arrangements for your animal companion.
Pets are a wonderful way to receive
unconditional love and companionship during
your retirement years, and they are good for
your health, too. Whether you choose a cat,
a dog, or another pet like a bird or reptile,
remember: choose wisely, and adopt from local
shelters. When you give love to a pet, they will
love you back, a hundredfold.
Quality of Life
cats and dogs. Local pet supply stores offer regularly

scheduled adoption fairs for shelter animals, so check
their calendars for these special dates. Rescue groups
are breed-specific so you will need to know what
breed you are interested in before you contact them.
PrimeofLife n 45
Quality of Life
Experience
Is Priceless
he assignment was issued. A human

interest story for the Prime of Life
magazine needed. The story should
be about an interesting person I know
personally, but who? Should I write
about the changes that have taken place in the
world during the lifetimes of some of my oldest
friends, Lester and Margaret Scronce? They are
both in their nineties. I wonder what changes
have taken place since they were children during
the Great Depression. Perhaps I should write
about my friends Rose and Ed Romo. Rose once
owned an Italian restaurant in New York City. Over
20 years ago the doctors gave her less than six
months to live. She is still with us today. Maybe
I should write about Vance and Ruth Holland, a
couple with generous hearts and a huge love for
children. The two have handcrafted thousands of
toys and given them to sick children and children
being counselled through hospice. The list goes
on and on. I am blessed to know so many people
that are worthy of being written about. Some have
traveled the world. Others have parented amazing
children that are in respected positions. Many
served their country valiantly in times of war. In
their own eyes they are just normal Americans.
Unless you take time to ask, they might think
they are boring you by telling about their
lives. Each one has a story to tell. They have
tremendous wisdom.
46 n PrimeofLife
David Hudson CEP, RFC

Masters Estate &
Financial Services, Inc
828-322-6554
In a time when technology continues to change

our lives almost daily, its easy to forget the
importance of past experiences. Knowledge is
important, but knowledge alone can never replace
wisdom. One of the greatest people I have ever
known never logged on to a computer. She never
used a smartphone. She couldnt program a
remote control. What she could do was live life
well when life became very hard. My mother was
born before the Depression. She lived and worked
hard on a farm while it dragged on. She was a
young woman during World War II. She watched
everything she owned burn in a house fire. Only
her and her children escaped. Later she had two
sons killed in an accident on the same day. The
most amazing thing about her was that she never
lost her faith and she never became bitter. She
lived life well until Alzheimers Disease took
her away.
Wouldnt it be great if we could see our senior
citizens differently? Wouldnt it be wonderful if
instead of seeing the things they arent good
at (like technology), we could see how good
they have been at the most important thing of
all, living life well? If we did that, what would we
see? Would we see how blessed we are to have
them? Would we ask more questions? Would we
listen more intently? Is it possible that we would
learn important lessons? If we listen, we may be
surprised how much better we could handle life.
adventure?
ots of retirees have waited for their golden

years to travel, and the baby boomers are
now ready to go on adventures of their own,
but traveling by yourself can be expensive
and time consuming while planning. Senior
travel groups offer a number of benefits socially as
well as financially. There are many senior centers
and other traveling groups around the area that offer
group travel to the senior population. Below is a list of
reasons why traveling with a group might benefit you:
1. Make new friends

Travel with most senior groups can be with a spouse
or with a friend or even by yourself, but you are
sure to meet others within your age range who hold
similar interests and who have a passion for travel as
you do, creating great conversations and bonding
experiences. Some travel groups even allow adult
children to travel with you. It can be a great way to
bond and to create great traveling memories.
2. Save money
Group trips are often more reasonably priced
because of the large group discount and include
transportation and lodging all together. This can
reduce the amount that you would have to spend to
have the adventure alone.
3. Safety in numbers
When traveling as a group there is safety in numbers
as well as the fact that a group guide is there to help
direct where all the attractions are. When traveling
Amanda L. Clarke
Activities & Program Coordinator
Morganton-Burke Senior Center
828-430-4147
Quality of Life
Up for an
as a senior group the level of physical ability is often

lower and group guides will make this level known to
the group.
4. Relax and enjoy the trip - all of the

details are taken care of
Independent travel can be a worrisome job, having to
make all the plans and reservations. Then theres the
task of having to get all the tickets to the attractions
that you would like to visit. This takes a lot of time
and research, and then comes the actual travel in
an unknown city. Group travel can make the trip
enjoyable; the trips have guides or leaders along
with a professional driver. There is no worrying about
planning or parking, just about enjoying the trip. Your
Tour Director can also help alleviate any issues that
pop up as a result of traveling, which means your only
responsibility is to sit back and enjoy your trip.
5. See things you might not get to on

your own
Whether its skipping lines at a major attraction or
eating dinner at a local favorite spot, theres no better
way to gain exclusive access than by being on a
group tour. And with a Tour Director handling the
logistics of your itinerary, youll be sure to see the
major sites (plus some one-of-a-kind hidden gems)
while getting historical context as you go.
If you like to explore new places, call your senior
center or find a travel group and give group travel
a try!
PrimeofLife n 47
Quality of Life
Village to Village
A Neighborhood Concept
What would your ideal

neighborhood look like?
Would you spend time with your
neighbors and enjoy each others
company?
Would you talk about the people who
have done a good job at your house and
share helpful tips and resources?
Would you help each other out if your
car was in the shop or you needed to go
to the doctor?
Dianna Osborne
President
Neighbors Network
828-464-1111
www.neighborsnetwork.org
If this sounds like a neighborhood youd like

to be part of then you would probably like
the Village Concept that is becoming more
and more popular across the U.S.
About fifteen years ago a group of
neighbors got together in the Beacon Hill
neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts and
asked themselves, How can we support one
another so that we can stay in our homes as
we grow older? From this first meeting grew
Beacon Hill Village and the National Village
Our Mission is to enhance the vitality of

participants lives and support their caregivers
by providing quality adult day services
designed to keep them connected to and
involved in the community.
A trusted adult day service

provider to the Unifour area
for over 30 years
Central Office
226 2nd Street NW Hickory
828-326-9120
Center Locations: Hickory Conover Maiden

www.adultlifeprograms.com info@adultlifeprograms.com
48 n PrimeofLife
Quality of Life
to Village Network. Beacon Hill Village allows

people to join the program for a minimal annual fee
and participate in all the services and amenities that
the Village offers. Things that Beacon Hill Village
offers includes everything from changing smoke
detector batteries, taking a pet to the veterinarian,
educational programs, lining up a handyman to
fix a leaking faucet, or help in setting up a new
smartphone.
There are now more than 150 Village concept
programs nationwide but only three programs in
North Carolina. Every program is different and
designed to fit the needs of the community that it
is in. If youve seen one Village program you have

seen one Village program, quotes the Founders
Manual that was designed for communities
interested in launching their own program. The
idea is to help people find the resources that
the community already offers, not to create new
programs that duplicate things already in place. If
there is an unmet need in a community, sometimes
the Village program staff can create a service that
meets that specific need.
For more information about The National Village
to Village Network, including Village programs in
North Carolina, please visit www.vtvnetwork.org.
PrimeofLife n 49
Quality of Life
Driving
Yield To The Warning Signs
here would we be without

our car? In many areas it
is almost impossible to get
around without having our own
personal transportation. Running
errands, buying groceries, keeping a doctors
appointment, picking up prescriptions, getting
to work or church are all daily activities that we
take for granted because we can just hop in the
car and go. AARP estimates that 89% of older
adults travel in private vehicles. By the year 2030,
it is estimated that 25% of licensed drivers in
the US will be over the age of 65 (The National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging www.n4a.
org/programs/ncst/)
As we age, changes occur in physical functioning,
vision, perception and processing abilities that
could make driving unsafe. While changes are
inevitable, they occur at different rates in each
individual, and age alone is not a good indicator
of driving skills. Most often these changes
occur slowly over a long period of time, and
the individual is able to compensate for minor
deficits. If several skill areas are affected, or there
is a sudden change in abilities due to illness or
disease, driving may become impaired.
According to the Association for Driver
Rehabilitation Specialists (www.aded.net), a driver
evaluation performed by a driver rehabilitation
specialist is recommended if you or your loved
ones notice any of the following warning signs.
Warning Signs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Doesnt observe signs, signals or other traffic

Needs help or instructions from passengers
Makes poor decisions
Becomes easily frustrated or confused
Frequently gets lost, even in familiar areas
Drives too slow or too fast
Demonstrates poor road position or uses
wide turns
8. Has accidents or near misses
50 n PrimeofLife
Elizabeth Greene
Executive Director
ADED/Association For Driver
Rehabilitation Specialists
866-672-9466
www.aded.net
The Evaluation May Include

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A review of medical history and medication

Functional ability
Vision
Perception
Reaction time
Behind-the-wheel assessment
If you or someone you know is having difficulty,

a driver evaluation may be indicated. A
driver rehabilitation specialist can provide a
comprehensive evaluation to determine ones
ability to drive. To find a list of specialists and
programs in you area, visit www.aded.net.
with a Free Hearing

Test!
Better
hearing or
that is
our promise to
all of our
patients!
Owner,
Jerey C. Cline
Hickory 828-328-5800
Lincolnton 704-748-2202
Volunteer!
ouve retired, but just because you

quit working doesnt mean you quit
working. Your time is just as valuable
now, probably even more valuable than
when you were working. Matter of fact,
the estimated value of one hour of volunteer time
in North Carolina is $18.08. Theres no doubt that
by volunteering, youre going to make a positive
difference for someone else. However, youre going
to see benefits for yourself as well.
Catawba County Volunteer Center

A program of Catawba County United Way
828-324-4357
www.ccunitedway.com
Volunteering can help you to explore your

interests.
Volunteering can be an opportunity to learn more
about something you enjoy doing. If you like
working with kids, get involved at a summer camp
or help younger students with their schoolwork.
If you like to cook, make dinner for the families at
a soup kitchen or help out at a homeless shelter.
Or if you enjoy sports, lead games for the kids
at a neighborhood recreation center. Look for
opportunities that allow you really explore areas
that already interest you. By volunteering in a
group, youll meet other people with the same
interests.
Quality of Life
Time on your hands?
Cheryl Abee
Director
Its fun!
People who volunteer often say that they get more
out of the experience than they give. Giving of
your time and energy makes you feel good about
yourself and raises your self-esteem. Working with
other volunteers builds friendships.
Youre sharing your talents and

knowledge with others.
You have skills, talents, knowledge, experience,
and personality. Each of us is unique and has
something to share with others.
Youre advancing the common good.

By volunteering, you can help make a positive
change in our community. Each of us wants to live
in a community where families are healthy and
strong, where children are given the help they need
to succeed in school, where people with disabilities
and the elderly are able to live as independently as
possible, and where people live in safe, supportive
neighborhoods. By volunteering, you help make
your community a better place to live, and you
become part of the solution.
United Way participates in of several annual special
events. The Foothills Homeless Veterans Stand
Down takes place in April and brings agencies
Continued on pg. 52
PrimeofLife n 51
Quality of Life
together with services that benefit homeless

or struggling veterans. Held at the Hickory
American Legion Fairgrounds, veterans can
learn about what is available to them, receive
two hot meals, benefit from a medical and dental
clinic and receive clothes and shoes. Volunteers
are needed for set-up, and break down and on
the day of the event to escort those being served
to the various services and stations.
Bringing Home
The Best in Healthcare
The annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive

takes place July through August. Collection
barrels are set up at various locations in the
county July through August but often, churches
or other groups will do their own collection.
Once we get the school supplies in our
office, volunteers are needed to help count,
box and divide up the items for pick-up by
representatives from all three school systems in
the county.
Another special event you take part in is our
annual Days of Caring. Agencies throughout
the county submit projects they need done and
either do not have the money or the staff to take
care of. These projects range from landscaping,
to painting, light construction, even playing
bingo with a group of senior adults. We take
these projects and recruit teams of volunteers to
take them on. Days of Caring takes place each
September.
The Christmas Bureau, a two-day distribution
held each December for families in need,
utilizes volunteers to escort parents or
guardians through The Salvation Army Toy
Shop to select gifts for their children. Ongoing
volunteer opportunities are available at agencies
throughout Catawba County.
For more information on how to get involved in
the community through volunteering contact
Cheryl Abee at Catawba County United Ways
Volunteer Center at 828-324-4357, or log
on to www.nc211.org and search volunteer
opportunities in Catawba County.
Home Health Services Including:

Skilled Nursing
Wound Care Management
Home Health Aide
Telemonitoring
Physical Therapy
Lifeline
Speech Therapy
Pediatric Care
Occupational Therapy
Other Specialized Services
Medical Social Work

ACHC Accreditation - Deemed Status
Medicare/Medicaid Certified
4 Star Rating from Home Health Compare
Locally Owned and Operated
For additional information, please contact

our Community Liaison:
Sandy Hardin 828-514-0777
(828) 324-3025
www.ghsnc.com
52 n PrimeofLife
Workforce
volving 21st century demographics are

affecting businesses cultures in many
ways. Such changes are a result of
the large global demographic of Baby
Boomers, now reaching retirement age,
and the lowering of birth rates around the world.
The shortage of younger people in the workforce is
a worldwide issue and businesses will be desperate
for qualified, professional employees to keep
themselves competitive.
Given these trends, it behooves businesses to adapt
their culture to keep and hire older workers. Many
Baby Boomers are opting to remain in the workforce,
some due to financial necessity, but many because
they love what they do. Advances in medicine,
longevity, and flexible workplaces add to the fact that
many can work into their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Home Instead Senior Care

828-256-0184
www.homeinstead.com/628
Quality of Life
Americas Aging
Susan Saylor
Franchise Owner
Companies that adapt by creating opportunities for

intergenerational collaboration and mentoring, will
benefit from multiple factors. Younger workers bring
skills in technology, communication, and social
media, while seasoned workers bring experience,
collective history, and business strategy. Both
have strengths beneficial to a companys bottom
line. Creating an age-diverse business culture
that encourages collaboration can result in higher
productivity, sharper competitiveness, and greater
worker satisfaction.
How can American companies strive to compete
effectively in this changing demographic? The
World Economic Forums Global Agenda Council on
Aging and the Global Coalition on Aging provide the
following guiding principles:
Continued on pg. 54
PrimeofLife n 53
Quality of Life
1. Age-Neutral Workplace
Recognize the potential contribution of employees of all

ages and the value of a multi-generational workforce.
Encourage an inclusive environment and discourage
age-related discrimination or hostility.
2. Supportive Working Environment

Aspire to develop working environments that are
conducive to access and contribution, regardless of
age. (technologies, facilities, equipment, and services)
3. Inclusive Culture
Develop a culture among your leadership, employees,
suppliers, partners, and customers that embraces
the contributions of workers of all ages, and values a
supportive multi-generation work environment.
4. Life-Long Learning and Participation

Create an environment that encourages a focus on
personal growth and development, including
opportunities for cross-generational mentoring and
learning.
5. Financial Planning for Longer Working Lives

Strive to provide your employees, at every level,
opportunities to gain financial literacy, and work toward
developing compensation and benefit solutions that
meet their needs. Emphasize personal choice and
responsibility.
6. Healthy Aging
Support employees, at every level, in their
commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle. Provide
encouragement and assistance as appropriate.
7. Supportive Caregiving
Changing demographics bring increased caregiving
obligations and an increasing number of employees are
shouldering these responsibilities. Strive to help them
honor their caregiving commitments.
Change is constant. The skills of intellectual and
social capital provided by seniors who remain in the
workforce are there to take. Companies seeking growth
and success must continue to adapt to changing
external environments (labor force) and evolve to create
successful internal work cultures. Business owners
have choices, and an intergenerational workforce is the
face of business in the 21st century.
54 n PrimeofLife
services
orth Carolina is privileged to have

County Veterans Services Officers
in almost every county. With the
large number of military bases and
retirees, North Carolina is considered
a Veteran friendly state. These county veterans
offices assist veterans and their dependents, to
include spouse and children, in filing for benefits.
The staff of local county offices are not employed
by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but
rather act as a liaison between the veteran and
the VA. Benefits offered by the VA include service
and non-service connected disability, healthcare,
long term care, widow benefits, and burial and
education benefits. One of the biggest VA programs
currently used to help pay for long term care is
Catawba County Veterans Office

828-465-8255
www.catawbacountync.gov/veterans
the Aid and Attendance program. This program

offers a monthly benefit that helps offset the cost
of assisted living, nursing home care, and home
health care, as well as other medical necessities.
The Aid and Attendance program is based on
severity of physical needs and financial needs. Outof-pocket medical expenses are also assessed. The
veteran must have served at least one day during a
war time period to qualify. When filing for any kind
of VA program a DD-214 or military discharge is
required. If you cannot locate your DD-214 help is
offered at any local VA office. To find a local County
Veterans Service Office near you, please visit www.
ncveterans.com/locations or call your local county
government agency.
support
Veteran
Cindy S. Travis
Veterans Service Officer
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE@Home delivers all necessary medical and supportive
services that enable seniors with chronic care needs to maintain
their independence in their own homes. These services include:
Adult day health services

Medical care and medical specialists
Dental, vision, hearing, and footcare
Meal planning and nutrition services
Skilled nursing, including home health care and personal care
Prescribed medications
Social services
Respite care
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
Recreational and social activities
Transportation to health-related appointments and PACE@Home
Hospital care, emergency services, and nursing facility care
To see if you are eligible for PACE@Home, please call today.
1915 Fairgrove Church Road SE

Newton, NC 28658
(828)468-3980
TTY users dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2962

The champion for seniors wishing to remain in their community! www.pace-at-home.org
PrimeofLife n 55
support
Elder Abuse
Neglect & Exploitation
s adults age they may become more

physically frail, becoming less able
to stand up to bullying or to defend
themselves. They may not see or hear
as well or think as clearly as they
used to, leaving them more vulnerable. Mental
or physical ailments may also make them more
difficult companions for the people who live with
them and as a result make them more susceptible
to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Many elderly adults are abused in their own
homes, in relatives homes, and even in facilities
responsible for their care. If you suspect that
an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or
overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon
financially, its important to speak up.
56 n PrimeofLife
Rodney Franklin
Adult Services DSS
Catawba County Social Services
828-695-5609
www.catawbacountync.gov/dss
Abuse of elderly adults takes on many different

forms, some involving intimidation or threats
against the elderly, some involving neglect, and
others involving financial exploitation. The most
common are defined below:
Abuse - willful infliction of physical pain, injury
or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement,
or willful deprivation of services by a caregiver
which are needed to maintain the adults mental
and physical health.
Unexplained injuries such as bruises, welts
or scars
Broken bones, sprains or dislocations
Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks
Emotional abuse such as threatening, belittling
or controlling caregiver behavior
Significant weight loss, malnutrition,

dehydration
Untreated physical problems such as bed
sores and wounds
Unsanitary living conditions
Not providing medications to adult or not
taking medications correctly or abusing them
Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running
water, faulty wiring, fire hazards)
Self Neglect
Wandering, forgetfulness in turning off stove
or gas
Inability to cook, eat, bathe, toilet, care for
ones self
Causing fires
Inappropriate use of medications
Unable to keep up with finances
Exploitation - illegal or improper use of
disabled adults resources for anothers profit
or advantage.
It is the law that any person who has reasonable

cause to believe that a disabled person is in need
of Protective Services must report the case to
the county Social Services Department (N.C.G.S.
108A-102).
Call, write, or visit Catawba County Department of
Social Services when you have information about
a disabled adult being abused, neglected, or
exploited.
Call:
(828) 695-5609
8:00 am - 5:00 pm on business days
After hours call 911
support
Neglect - can be self neglect or caregiver

neglect. It is where a disabled adult living
alone and not able to provide services which
are necessary to maintain his/her physical or
mental health or is not receiving services from
the caregiver.
Mailing address:
Catawba County
Department of Social Services
PO Box 669
Newton, NC 28658
Physical address:
3030 11th Ave Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Frequent checks made to cash or ATM

withdrawals
Significant withdrawals from account
Items or cash missing from adults house
Sudden changes in Will or Power of Attorney
Bills not being paid, cut off notices
PrimeofLife n 57
Free Printable Word Search Puzzles
Moods
Moods&&Emotions
Emotions11
Find and circle all of the word that are hidden in the grid.
The remaining
12 letters
spell
an additional
word.
Free Printable
Word
Search
The remaining
12 letters
spell
anPuzzles
additional word.
Moods & Emotions 1

The remaining 12 letters spell an additional word.
AFRAID
AFRAID
AGITATED
AFRAID
AGITATED
ANGUISH
AGITATED
ANGUISH
BLUE
ANGUISH
BLUE
BORED
BLUE
BORED
BORED
CHEERY
CHEERY
CHEERY
DARK
DARK
DARK
DOWN
DOWN
DOWN
DREAD
DREAD
DREAD
EDGY
EDGY
EDGY
ELATION
JADED
PEACEFUL
ELATION
JADED
PEACEFUL
FURIOUS
JOVIAL
PLEASED
ELATION
JADED
PEACEFUL
FURIOUS
JOVIAL
PLEASED
GENIAL
LONELY
REMORSE
FURIOUS
JOVIAL
GENIAL
LONELY PLEASED
REMORSE
GLOOMY
LOVE
SOMBER
GENIAL
LONELY
REMORSE
GLOOMY
LOVE
SOMBER
GROUCHY
MELLOW SOMBER
SUNNY
GLOOMY
LOVE
GROUCHY
MELLOW
SUNNY
GROUCHY
MELLOW
SUNNY
HELPLESS
MERRY
SYMPATHY
HELPLESS
MERRY
SYMPATHY
HELPLESS
MERRY
SYMPATHY
HOPEFUL
MISERY
UNEASY
HOPEFUL
MISERY
UNEASY
HOPEFUL
MISERY
HUMILIATED
OFFENDED UNEASY
UPBEAT
HUMILIATED OFFENDED
OFFENDED
UPBEAT
HUMILIATED
UPBEAT
HURT
ORNERY
WEARY
HURT
ORNERY
HURT
ORNERY WEARY
WEARY
IRKED
PANIC
IRKED
PANIC
IRKED
PANIC
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Answers on page 86
58 n PrimeofLife

828-322-9191
www.wpcog.org
early 44 million Americans (1 in 5

adults) are caregivers for a loved one
over the age of 50. Caregiving often
happens sandwiched in between
other responsibilities such as careers
and growing families. Every caregiving situation
is different and can be challenging while at the
same time rewarding. Caregivers arent provided
caregiver training to help prepare them for every
step along the way and the learning curve alone
can be a tough challenge.
Nancy is a caregiver for her mother and is thankful
she lives nearby and has been able to help if her
mother needs anything. She has recently noticed a
few changes with her mom. One day last week on
a visit she noticed the stovetop was turned on, but
there wasnt anything cooking on the stove. When
she asked her mom about it, she told Nancy she
didnt know what she was talking about. She wasnt
cooking anything. Nancy had recently started
taking care of paying her moms bills after seeing
late notices showing up in the mailbox. It wasnt
long after these changes that her mother lost her
license and could no longer drive. Of course, Nancy
began driving her places and running her errands
for her on Saturdays in between her two sons ball
practices, games and school activities.
Since Nancy worked full time and had two young
sons, she had asked her Moms neighbor to stop
in and check on her each day. Nancy would use
her lunch hour to come by Moms house and fix
her some lunch. But it just seemed her mom was
needing more and more care and had recently had
a few falls.
After her mothers most recent fall, Nancy knew it
was time she started a conversation with her mother
about her care. She had come to realize it wasnt
as easy as she thought it might be and she didnt
want to mislead her mother into thinking she could
handle it all by herself. Trying to do everything
herself was quickly causing her to burn out. Shes
afraid of losing her job, her relationship with her
husband is starting to suffer, and she feels like she
never spends time with her children. She is also
way overdue for a check-up with her own doctor.
support
I Love my
mom,
But...
Mary Mitchell
Family Caregiver Support Specialist
Its important that caregivers reach out for help

from other family members, neighbors, friends,
or even church family. Caregivers often find there
are friends or family who want to help, but may
not offer because they simply do not know what
to do. Putting a plan together and reaching out
for help may be exactly what a caregiver needs.
If a caregiver finds their loved one needing
more assistance it may be time to reach out to
organizations in the community. There are several
local agencies that can help connect a family
to services such as transportation, home health
services, respite services, home modification
services, or home delivered meals.
Throughout all of this it is very important that the
caregiver not overlook their own health needs and
the importance of time for yourself. The stress of
caregiving can be overwhelming and caregivers
tend to put themselves last. It is vital the caregiver
remember to look after their own health and wellbeing throughout their caregiving journey, which in
turn enables them to give the best care they can for
their loved one.
PrimeofLife n 59
support
Medicare or Medicaid
Whats the Difference?
hat is the difference between

Medicare and Medicaid? Although
both are federal health insurance
programs, there are some
important differences.
Both were created by Congress in 1965. Medicare

is health insurance for persons 65 years of age
or older and disabled persons regardless of age.
Medicare is not needs-based, meaning you may
qualify without regard to your income or financial
resources.
Medicaid is similar, but was designed to help
low-income people with their medical expenses.
Medicaid eligibility is based on your income and
financial assets. In some cases, one person
can receive both Medicaid (needs-based) and
Medicare (not needs-based).
Brenda Davis and Beth Jones

Supervisors of Adult Medicaid
Catawba County Social Services
828-695-5600
www.catawbacountync.gov/dss
Center. When applying for Medicaid, you need to

bring your Social Security number, life insurance
policies, recent bank statements, medical bills,
proof of residency and birth certificate. More
information about Adult Medicaid is available
at www.catawbacountync.gov/dss/adult/
adultmedicaid.asp. You may also download an
application form at this site.
Not all doctors and dentists accept Medicare or
Medicaid. Check with your doctor or other health
care professional before making an appointment.
Catawba Countys Department of Social Services
has a list online of family physicians, physician
specialists and dentists who accept Medicaid.
Both programs help pay for hospitalization,

doctors visits and prescriptions. One important
difference is that Medicare does not pay for
extended, long-term care in a nursing home.
Medicaid can pay for nursing home care.
Medicare is administered by the federal
government through the Social Security
Administration. For more information about
Medicare, go to www.medicare.gov or call your
local Social Security office. Medicare benefits
are the same regardless of where you live in the
United States.
Medicaid is funded by the federal and state
governments. The benefits are somewhat
different depending on the state where you live.
You apply for Medicaid at the Department of
Social Services in the county where you live. For
more information about Medicaid in Catawba
County, call
828-695-5600 or 828-695-5692.
You may also come to our office at 3030 11th
Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory, to apply for Medicaid. We
are located behind Catawba Valley Medical
60 n PrimeofLife
$ 49
1217 NC 16 Business,
Conover, NC
828-465-2002
For families
dealing with
medical crisis its
more than just a place

to stay
C A L L U S TO D AY !
336.793.2822
www.familyhousews.org
Communicating With Your Children
hen I was a kid growing up, I

used to think 40 was ancient. I
used to look at my grandparents
and say they were the coolest
grandparents ever, but they were
old as dirt in my eyes. My grandparents owned
a bakery and doughnut shop, but as Krispy
Kreme moved into the area with machine made
donuts, they transitioned over to a commercial
catering business (food truck) that set up and
fed employees at two huge foundries in our
hometown. Every summer, we would vacation
there and I would work on the food truck, which
was so cool at 12 years old. My grandfather was a
founding member of NASCAR, and I always looked
forward to Friday night at the local short track
where he raced up until he was 70. I never really
thought about his age because he stayed
so active.
SIR Publication
Committee Member
support
Planning For The Unexpected
Michael Richey
I will never forget the call that came in that Daddy

Bob had suffered a stroke and that things did
not look good. I told my boss that I needed to go
home and be with my family, which he allowed. I
remember not being able to drive fast enough to
get to the town where my parents lived, and the
emptiness I felt when Daddy Bob passed away.
And then as the years went on, I lost the rest of
my grandparents, and now I am looking at my
own parents aging in a way that I never thought
possible. They arent supposed to get old. Then
it occurred to me, I am not that kid anymore. As
I have grown older, and now my kids are married
and have kids of their own.
I dont get to see my parents very often, but they
are always in my heart. I often times wonder if
they are really ok, or are they just saying that to
appease my thought process. Is the typical
Continued on pg. 62
PrimeofLife n 61
support
answer.Im okreally a truthful response?

I often ask several questions of my parents that
hopefully will tell them that I really do care. I call them
regularly, but that is not the same as being there. I
urge others that might read this to think about the
same thing. Some general questions to ask your
parents are:
1. Do your neighbors have my name and phone
number in case anything happens?
2. Do you carry a piece of paper in your billfold/
purse that has my name and number on it in
case of an emergency?
3. Do you carry a list of medications with you?
4. Do you carry your cell phone in case of an
emergency?
These are just a few questions that come to mind, but
if you are away from home, who has the information
needed to contact your family? As a child of aging
parents, I really do care! As the parent of younger
adults, I really do care! In an age of electronic
technology, some things are still very basic, and
very needed. A pen and a piece of paper were
never more important.
GUIDING YOU TO
IMPROVED
HEALTH, WELLNESS
& PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Call or visit the Y today to
ask if your insurance provider

the YMCA through the SilverSneakers Fitness Program or
Silver & Fit Fitness Program.
We offer classes including
Muscle, Strength & Rangeof-Motion; Yogastretch;
Cardio Circuit;
Water Aerobics
and various
other senior classes.
Bring this ad to
the YMCA for a
1-week guest pass
Adrian Shuford, Jr. YMCA
464-6130
Hickory Foundation YMCA
324-2858
ymcacv.org
YMCA Mission: To put Christian

principles into practice
through programs
that build healthy spirit,
mind and body for all.
62 n PrimeofLife
from Grief
lthough grief can result from any loss that

we experience, its exceptionally powerful
when we lose a person we love. Human
beings are meant to be in a community
with people we entrust with our love, fears,
and dreams whom grant us a sense of belonging,
security, and permanence. They also help us define
ourselves in relation to them.
When a person whom we connect to so strongly is
torn away from us, were compelled to reevaluate our
visions of the future and forced to reconsider who we
are on every front. The grief associated with such a
blow provokes the strongest degree of change that
828-466-0466
www.catawbaregionalhospice.org
support
Healing
Catawba Regional Hospice
we will encounter, and its a process that demands

our participation in body, mind, and spirit. Its allconsuming work.
Perhaps the most important grace you can allow
yourself while grieving is freedom from immediate
expectations. You will almost certainly get
well-intended advice and words of comfort from
others. Appreciate them, but know that your
experience may be different.
Each persons response to loss is individual and
unexpected. Permit yourself to experience what you
feel whether its anger, numbness, withdrawal,
Continued on pg. 64
PrimeofLife n 63
support
distraction, restlessness, or denial. Be prepared for

a journey that might include mood swings, could
make you question your stability, or bring temporary
changes to your health and habits.
Along with letting yourself grieve, make sure that you
take care of your physical, social, emotional, and
spiritual needs to the best of your ability. Exercise,
eat well, and get plenty of sleep. Engage with family
and friends at least occasionally so that you arent
isolated with your feelings. Treat yourself to those
things that give you pleasure and trust that your
loved one would want you to enjoy yourself in his or
her absence.
Although its inevitable that you and your plannedfor future will change, dont push yourself to create
a new life immediately. Let things unfold and
understand that you dont have to donate clothing,
sell vehicles, or clean out basements right away. You
will have a sense of readiness when its time to act.
Until then, let it be.
In the meantime, talking about your feelings with
a counselor or trusted friend may be therapeutic.
Should you need activity, try writing about your
journey just for you, without editing or self-criticism.
Participate in a support group to find encouragement
with others. Speak with your pastor, priest, or rabbi
as you seek spiritual meaning, and dont be afraid
to wrestle with your feelings as you put death into
context.
Most of all, realize that time proves beneficial to
grief. It heals and grants perspective, offering as its
reward an inner strength that you likely couldnt have
imagined from your previous self. Take courage and
be heartened by the life within you.
64 n PrimeofLife
USA Presidents Word Search

Find and circle all of the United States Presidents that are hidden in the grid.
The remaining letters spell an Abraham Lincoln quotation.
USA Presidents Word Search

Find and circle all of the United States Presidents that are hidden in the grid.
The remaining letters spell an Abraham Lincoln quotation.
WASHINGTON TAYLOR
J ADAMS
FILLMORE
JEFFERSON
PIERCE
WASHINGTON TAYLOR
MADISON
BUCHANAN
J ADAMS
FILLMORE
JEFFERSON LINCOLN
PIERCE
MONROE
MADISON
BUCHANAN
J Q ADAMS
A JOHNSON
MONROE
LINCOLN
JACKSON
J Q ADAMS GRANT
A JOHNSON
VAN BUREN
HAYES
JACKSON
GRANT
VAN BUREN GARFIELD
HAYES
W HARRISON
W HARRISON
GARFIELD
TYLER
ARTHUR
TYLER
ARTHUR
POLK POLK
CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND
B HARRISON
KENNEDY
MCKINLEY
L JOHNSON
T ROOSEVELT
NIXON
B HARRISON
KENNEDY
TAFT
FORD
MCKINLEY
L JOHNSON
T
ROOSEVELT
NIXON
WILSON
CARTER
TAFT
FORDREAGAN
HARDING
WILSON
CARTER
COOLIDGE
G H W BUSH
HARDING
REAGAN
HOOVER
COOLIDGE
G H WCLINTON
BUSH
HOOVER
CLINTON
F D ROOSEVELT
G W BUSH
F D ROOSEVELT G W BUSH
TRUMAN
OBAMA
TRUMAN
OBAMA
EISENHOWER
EISENHOWER
you this
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this puzzle?
Visit:http://www.puzzles.ca/wordsearch.html
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Answers on page 86
PrimeofLife n 65
support
Homecare
vs. Home Healthcare
ne of the most common questions

I receive from seniors wanting to
remain at home is What is the
difference between homecare and
home healthcare? Sure, they sound
a lot alike, but the two are very different in many
ways. They are both designed to help the sick,
elderly, or disabled but their level of delivery and
their outcomes can differ. Knowing the difference
between the two can help you and your loved ones
determine what resources are available to you,
how the services will be paid for, and what you can
expect from each service.
The goal of homecare is to make it possible for
people to remain at home rather than use
long-term or institutional-based nursing care.
Homecare agencies offer in home assistance
such as in home aides, nursing care, and sitter
services for extended periods of time. Most
patients that need homecare services cannot
manage on their own and need additional help
in the home that their family cannot provide.
Homecare agencies can assist with daily tasks
such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation,
medication reminders, running errands, and
light housekeeping. This help may be for long
or short periods and is completely up to the
patient to decide. Homecare agencies charge
for their services by the hour or accept longterm care insurance, Medicaid, or VA benefits
for payment. The Veterans Administration
has an Aid and Attendance benefit plan for
qualifying homebound veterans. Individuals with
Medicaid may qualify for home care programs
such as PCS (Personal Care Services) and CAP
(Community Alternative Program).
In contrast, home healthcare agencies provide
nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
speech therapy, and social work services through
Medicare and other types of health insurance
plans. When a patient qualifies for nursing or
therapy in their home, he or she may also receive
the help of a home health aide for non-medical
66 n PrimeofLife
Darius Nouri
Regional Director
Epic Health Services
828-464-0244
www.epichealthservices.com
assistance like bathing and dressing. However,

these non-medical services alone are not covered
by Medicare. Home healthcare is medically
focused care which must be prescribed by a
physician. To qualify under Medicare, a person
must be homebound, as defined very specifically
by Medicare. Medicare coverage is triggered only
by the need for nursing or therapy. The visits are
intermittent (meaning usually a few times a week)
and usually last for one hour or less. The duration
is limited by Medicare with most patients achieving
their home health goals within a few weeks.
Whether you need homecare or home health care,
the goal for the two are the same - to help you or
your loved one live more comfortably at home.
Hickory Falls sets the standard

of excellence in rehabilitative care.
Some of our state of the art rehabilitative services include:

Stroke Rehabilitation
Fracture and Joint
Replacement Therapy
Neurolgoical Intervention
Orthopedic Programs
Prosthetic Management
Swallowing Programs
Dementia Management
Speech Therapy
Our Passion Makes Us Different

Part of the SanStone Community
100 Sunset Street Granite Falls, NC 28630
828-396-2387
www.SanstoneHealth.com
828-829-2799
A Fight We Can Win
Foothills Alzheimers Association

of Western Carolina
828-514-3124
www.alz.org/northcarolina
By 2030, the U.S. population aged 65 and over is

expected to double, and an estimated 10 million
Baby Boomers will develop Alzheimers. At age 85,
the risk increases to nearly one in every two. If they
dont have it, chances are likely they will be caring
for someone who does.
For those that arent familiar with the disease,

Alzheimers is a progressive and fatal brain disorder
that causes problems with memory, thinking and
behavior. Its not just the person with Alzheimers
who suffers. Caring for someone with this
disease can and will negatively affect their health,
employment, income and/or financial security while
watching their loved one slowly disappear.
Right now, we are losing the battle against

Alzheimers Disease. Death rates for other major
diseases such as HIV, stroke, heart failure, prostate
cancer, and breast cancer are declining. Our
countrys commitment to combat these conditions
has saved lives. This disease is the 6th leading cause
of death, and remains the only one of the top 10
causes of death without an identified way to prevent
it, cure it, or even slow its progression. Research
aby Boomers are turning 65 - the age

when the risk of developing Alzheimers
Disease significantly increases. With this
there will be an impending wave of new
cases and new families that will have
to face this devastating and heartbreaking disease
known as Alzheimers.
support
Alzheimers
Meghan Lawton
Regional Manager
Continued on pg. 68
PrimeofLife n 67
support
has come so far and scientists believe we are at

a monumental tipping point.
With all that said, there is GREAT news! In
December 2015, the Alzheimers Association
celebrated the announcement from House and
Senate appropriations leaders that detailed their
intention to pass the largest increase in history
for Alzheimers Research - $350 million increase
for research funding in 2016!
When signed into law, these funds will
begin to be released immediately to launch
new, groundbreaking Alzheimers research;
research that will accelerate our progress
toward ultimately eliminating the disease, said
Harry Johns, President/CEO of the Alzheimers
Association. Congress understands what a
significant difference dedicated funding for
research will do to help to prevent, slow and
ultimately develop a cure for Alzheimers.
LIFETRANSITIONS
treating the person, not just an illness
We help
manage
chronic
Alzheimers Disease does not discriminate. It

does not recognize gender, religious preference,
or even Republicans and Democrats. It affects all
of us and we can all agree that a cure must be
found.
illnesses that
The Associations vision is a world without

Alzheimers. This is a fight we can win!
limit daily
activities.
Life Transitions cares for patients with

heart disease, COPD, pneumonia, and
other acute medical issues.
Call for a consultation today.

828.464.9459
YourLifeTransitions.org
68 n PrimeofLife
Hard to Swallow?
s the price of your prescription drugs difficult

for you to manage? Do you worry about having
enough money to afford your monthly bills AND
be able to get your prescriptions filled? Do you
sometimes think about skipping the medications
your doctor prescribed for you, or even cutting
your pills in half to make them last longer? If you
have Medicare, you might be eligible for some
cost saving programs to help you save money on
your prescription drug costs and your Medicare
premiums and copayments. Below are details
of eligibility guidelines for several cost-saving
programs:
The Low-Income Subsidy Program (LIS) - helps
qualified Medicare beneficiaries pay for their
Medicare prescription drug program costs, such as
premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Eligibility
guidelines for LIS are based on income and assets;
the 2016 guidelines for this type of assistance are:
Limits for an individual: Income $1,485.25 per
month; Assets $13,640
Limits for a married couple: Income
$2,002.50 per month; Assets $27,250

828-322-9191
www.wpcog.org
support
Drug Costs
Anita Roberts
Aging Specialist
To apply call SHIIP, the Seniors Health Insurance

Information Program or your local county Senior
Center for assistance completing the application.
Applications are processed and eligibility is
determined by the Social Security Administration
(SSA). SSA will notify you if you qualify for
assistance and, if you do, at what level.
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps
qualified Medicare beneficiaries pay for their
Medicare Part A and Part B health care costs, such
as premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. There
are different levels of assistance through MSP. Even
if you dont qualify for full assistance (full Medicaid)
you might be eligible for coverage of some of your
medical expenses.
Full Medicaid, also known as Medicare Qualified
Beneficiary (MQB-Q); Qualified Medicare
Beneficiary (QMB); or as Dual Eligible provides
a wide range of health services and coverage
assistance. Eligibility guidelines are more complex
than for other types of Medicare assistance, but the
income limit is based on 100 percent of the Federal
Poverty Level:
Continued on pg. 70
PrimeofLife n 69
support
Limits for an individual: Income $11,770 per

year
Limits for two people in the household: Income
$15,930 per year
Medicare Qualified Beneficiary (MQB-B) is
also known as Specified Low-Income Medicare
Beneficiary (SLMB) assistance. The eligibility
guidelines are based on income and assets.
The 2015-16 eligibility guidelines for this type of
assistance are:
Limits for an individual: Income $1,208 per
Limits for a married couple: Income $1,622 per
Contacts for assistance

in the region are:
Alexander County Senior Center
828-632-1717
Alexander County DSS
828-632-1080
Morganton-Burke Senior Center
828-430-4147
East Burke Senior Center
828-397-3397
Burke County DSS
828-438-3500
Caldwell Senior Center
828-758-2883
Caldwell County DSS
828-426-8200
West Hickory Senior Center
828-328-2269
Catawba County DSS
828-695-5600
To apply contact your local Department of Social

Services (DSS) office or your local county Senior
Center for assistance in completing the application.
Assets that are not counted in determining
eligibility are your home, car, and burial assets of
up to $1,500 in value per person. Resource and
income levels may change annually.
For more information about the Low-Income
Subsidy Program (LIS) or the Medicare Savings
Program (MSP), you can visit the Seniors Health
Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) web site at
www.ncshiip.com or call 1-855-408-1212. Each
county has SHIIP counselors available to speak
with you by appointment at your local Senior
Center or you can contact an Aging Specialist
with the Area Agency on Aging at 828-485-4265
for more information.
Seniors Health Insurance

Information Program (SHIIP)
1-855-408-1212
www.ncshiip.com
Social Security Administration
(Hickory Office serves all counties in the region)
828-877-1615
WPCOG Area Agency on Aging

828-485-4265
Specialized
Transport
AMBULATORY, WHEELCHAIR AND
GERIATRIC CHAIR TRANSPORTS AVAILABLE
Local or Long Distance
(828) 441-2000 or (704) 735-5676 or (828) 438-0447

Email: specialized.tran@gmail.com Text: 980-241-0215
SERVING THE UNIFOUR AREA
70 n PrimeofLife
for Seniors
reat news! With the advances in

medicine, aging isnt what it used to
be. It is a different world than when
our parents and grandparents were
getting older. Today, there are more
people living longer than at any other time in
history; but as times change, one thing remains
the same healthy living is the best way to
prolong life and be happier.
Here are a few basic tips to help seniors live
longer and thrive:
Stay Active
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy
weight, prevent heart disease, reduce stress, avoid
falls and sleep better. Commit to doing something
Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

828-695-8282
www.conovernursingandrehab.com
Wellness
Healthy Living
M. Colleen Anderson, BSN, RN-BC

Staff Development Coordinator
each day walk around the block, work in the

garden, or go for a bike ride.
Eat Well
Eating nutritious foods, combined with exercise,
can help prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes
and osteoporosis. Eat a balance of proteins
(meats, beans, lentils) with vegetables, fruits and
whole grains and drink plenty of water! Extreme
changes dont work start small. Take the salt
shaker off the table to decrease salt intake and
switch to whole grains to improve cardiac and
digestive health. White flour, white rice and other
processed carbohydrates have been stripped of
nutritional value and are empty calories that raise
your blood glucose levels. Increasing your fiber
intake can also help you lose or maintain weight
Continued on pg. 72
PrimeofLife n 71
and is involved in the bodys use of glucose and

insulin secretion, lowering the risk of Diabetes.
Wellness
Prevent Falls
Did you know that people who walk barefoot
are more likely to fall? Shoes that provide good
support are tools to reduce your risk of falling.
Remove loose carpet and rugs, use night lights in
hallways and bathrooms and keep walkways clear
of cords and other clutter. Falls can cause broken
bones and other long-lasting injuries that may
affect healthy living.
Keep Up With Health Screenings

And Immunizations
By age 50, women should be screened for
breast cancer with mammograms and men
should receive prostate exams for
cancer screening. Your teeth
and gum health are vital to
overall health! Brushing
your teeth daily, flossing
and dental checkups
72 n PrimeofLife
every six months will improve overall health. Most

people by age 50 notice a change in their vision,
common eye problems with age include cataracts
and glaucoma. Vision screenings every 1-2 years
will improve eye health.
Manage Your Stress

Exercise will lead to reduced stress. Relaxation
techniques such as yoga or meditation are also
means of coping. Make time for friends and
socialization! Learn to think positively and stay
active successfully coping with stress will have a
positive effect on your health and how you feel.
Getting older involves many changes to our
bodies and minds but if you understand whats
going on and take steps to improve and maintain
your health, you can have great physical,
mental and spiritual health. Youve
worked hardtime to enjoy
health and happiness!
Just Ask Frankie
iving props to working out, Frankie

Cooke of Newton, NC says, I turned
97 years old on January 6, 2016. If it
were not for exercising, I would not
still be here. In 1994 I had a light heart
attack and four bypasses. I started cardiac rehab
immediately following and began my journey to
keep my heart healthy by exercising three days
per week and have continued this for the past 21
years. Frankie is a perfect example of how an
active lifestyle makes age irrelevant when it comes
to health and wellness. Exercise helps to improve
balance, maintain mobility and stamina, reduces
the incidence of disease, boosts your mood and
leads to an overall better quality of life. Many older
Fitness Plus at
828-326-3680
www.catawbavalleymedical.org/
fitness-plus
adults have given up on exercise assuming that

theyre too out of shape, too sick, too tired or just
too old. Statistics show that only one out of four
people between the ages of 65 and 74 exercises
regularly. Now is the perfect time to add exercise to
your day!
Wellness
Exercise Works!
April Berg
Coordinator
Top 10 Reasons to Exercise as We Age

1. Prevents Osteoporosis by increasing bone
density through strength training.
2. Improves self-achievement and the ability to
maintain independence for daily living activities.
3. Increases metabolism and decreases body fat
by increasing lean muscles through strength
training.
4. Decreases falls by maintaining balance,
coordination and improving reflexes.
5. Promotes social interaction and a feeling of
belonging.
6. Improves lung function by decreasing spinal
degeneration and strengthening the chest
cavity.
7. Decreases depression, improves memory and
boosts self-esteem.
8. Prevents and treats over 40 chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke
and more.
9. Improves flexibility, circulation, joint range of
motion and functional movement.
10. Improves heart health through cardiovascular
exercises such as walking, biking and
swimming which reducing risk of heart disease.
According to researchers, older adults who
exercised only one day a week were able to
maintain their muscle strength, allowing them
to avoid injuries and remain independent. Just
imagine what exercising more frequently can do
for you!
Seek the advice of a fitness professional or your
health care provider prior to starting a new exercise
routine.
PrimeofLife n 73
Wellness
ABZ z z z z z z z

for Sleep Disorders
828-485-2814
Of Sleep
etting a good nights sleep may

become more difficult as we get
older. According to the National
Sleep Foundation, middle aged and
elderly people experience at least
four types of sleep disorders more frequently than
younger people. These include:
Sleep apnea, a breathing disorder in which
there can be loud snoring and breathing
actually pauses repeatedly during sleep,
causing an individual to wake up throughout
the night gasping for air
Restless legs syndrome , a sensation of
something moving inside the limbs, coupled
with an urge to move the legs
Periodic limb movement disorder, such as
leg jerks or kicking
Advanced sleep phase syndrome , whereby
people have progressively more difficulty
staying awake in the evenings
In addition, many medical problems such as
arthritis, osteoporosis and depression can
produce or eventually lead to symptoms that
interrupt sleep. Even if serious sleep disorders are
not present, we may experience other changes.
The American Academy of Family Physicians
(AAFP) says our sleep-wake cycle changes as we
get older, so we might get sleepy earlier in the
evening and wake up earlier in the morning. Older
adults may also have more trouble falling asleep
at night, or have problems staying asleep. They
might wake up very early in the morning and not
be able to go back to sleep. All these things can
make older people very sleepy in the daytime.
Getting Help
However, according to the National Sleep

Foundation, persistent problems falling asleep
at night are not inevitable. Talk with a doctor if
youre experiencing sleep problems such as
snoring or chronic tiredness. Underlying causes
may be treatable. For example, if sleep apnea
is present, breathing devices or surgery can
provide relief. If it turns out that medications are
interfering with sleep, your doctor may be able
74 n PrimeofLife
to prescribe different medications (although a

patient should never stop taking medications on
their own without the doctors approval).
In cases where there are no underlying medical
reasons for the insomnia, it may be that certain
habits are causing sleep disturbance. Among the
things to watch out for:
Caffeine, especially late in the day, can
interrupt sleep
Exercising too close to bedtime can cause
problems
Alcohol may induce sleep initially, but disrupt
the sleep cycle later at night
AAFP has some other suggestions. Avoid long
naps in the middle of the day. If you cant fall
asleep after 30 minutes or so in bed, dont lie
there getting frustrated; get up and do something
quiet for a while, like reading or listening to quiet
music, and then go back to bed. In addition, ask
your doctor if any of your medicines could be
keeping you awake at night.
Finally, besides avoiding foods or situations that
induce wakefulness, developing and following a
regular routine for relaxing before bedtime can
help you fall asleep more easily and wake up
refreshed.

Mon.-Thurs. 9:00AM-9:00PM
Fri.-Sat. 9:00AM-5:00PM
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
375 Third Street NE
Hickory, NC 28601
828-304-0500
Ridgeview Branch Library
706 First Street SW
Hickory, NC 28602
828-345-6037
Not Harder
pring is the time our thoughts turn to

gardening. It has been a long winter
and once the weather warms up, we
feel the need to get outside and start
those projects that will make our yards
and gardens beautiful by summer. After several
months inside, we are likely to overdo it in the first
few pretty weather days.
Ergonomics is a way to use body mechanics,
postures, techniques and tools to reduce stress,
prevent injuries and allow you to work smarter not
harder in the garden.
Typical injuries related to gardening are:
Repetitive strain injuries - These are commonly
seen in the wrist, hand, forearms and back
and can be from prolonged bending, reaching,
gripping and squatting.
Traumatic injuries - These are associated with
lifting heavy objects, pushing, pulling, twisting
and carrying.
Cuts and wounds can occur when not wearing
heavy gloves, long-sleeved shirts or long pants
to avoid scratches and cuts.

828-315-3407
www.fryemedctr.com
Wellness
Garden Smarter
Nancy Hosterman, PT
Manager, Therapy Services
Gardening can be a very physical activity requiring

use of the entire body. Being prepared is the best
defense against injury.
What can you do to avoid injuries when gardening?
1. START BY STRETCHING
Since the wrist and forearms often get little
workout in the winter, stretch gently before
heavy use such as pruning, raking, digging
and weeding.
Stretch throughout the day. Take a break
occasionally during your activity. When you
feel fatigue or strain, its a good time to stop
and do a few stretches. Stretching is also
beneficial at the end of your activity when the
muscles are warmed up.
2. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
Alternate heavy repetitive work with easier
tasks. When youre raking, do one small area
at a time to avoid fatigue. After a while, collect
the leaves or debris and bag it or put it in the
compost pile.
Continued on pg. 76
PrimeofLife n 75
Wellness
If planting, dig only a few holes then place the

plants and water them, alternating the more
strenuous work with the easier work.
Even better, avoid raking altogether and use
a leaf blower to reduce back and shoulder
strain. Some leaf blowers come with a strap to
cut down on shoulder fatigue.
3. AVOID PROLONGED BENDING
If you have to bend over, bend at your hips
and knees. Dont keep your knees straight.
Spread your feet apart to provide the best
balance.
Use raised planters or beds to bring the
gardening up to you. Raised beds may also
offer a place to sit and rest. Raised beds allow
you to reach the plants without standing or
bending. Getting close to the plants makes
weeding and harvesting easier.
4. LIGHTEN THE LOAD
Buy small bags of potting soil or lightweight
planters. Use a wheelbarrow, cart or dolly to
transport items in the garden.
Keep objects close to your body. The further
from your body you carry things, the greater
the strain on your arms and back.
6. DONT TWIST
Face the area you are working on and move
your feet to avoid twisting your back.
7. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
Telescoping tools allow you to choose the
length of the tool to best meet the distance
you need to reach. Examples include rakes,
hoes, trowels, watering wands and weeders.
The garden is a work in progress. It is not about
getting it done. Enjoy the process by following
these simple suggestions.
Spread the work out over several
days or weeks
Start slowly and take frequent breaks
Stand up and stretch frequently
Use the right tool for the job
Lighten the load
Enjoy the view
5. AVOID REACHING OVERHEAD

Place planters at your shoulder level or below.
If you have to work overhead, dont work more
than five minutes. Holding your arms up and
looking up causes strain on your neck. Use
both arms whenever possible.
76 n PrimeofLife
ACAP - Hickory
Adult Children of Aging Parents

PO Box 8278
Morganton, NC 28680
1-877-599-ACAP (1-877-599-2227)
info@ACAPcommunity.com
www.ACAPcommunity.com
_________________________
Adult Life Programs
AdultLife
PROGRAMS
Mark Bumgarner, Executive Director

226 2nd St NW, PO Box 807
Hickory, NC 28603
828-326-9120
www.adultlifeprograms.com
info@adultlifeprograms.com
mbumgarner@adultlifeprograms.com
_________________________
Alps Mountain Affordable

Hearing Aid Center
37 13th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
888-928-5242
_____________________
Barbaras Hearing Service

Barbara Lockwood, MA, FAAA
22 Years Experience
715 Fairgrove Church Rd. SE , Suite 102
Conover, NC 28613
828-322-4750
Hear well. Live well.
www.barbarashearing.com
_______________________
Bayada Home
Health Care
Brookdale Senior
Living Solutions
Melissa Mooney
Brookdale
Falling Creek
910 29th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
Prime of life
Directory
PrimeofLife directory
Brookdale
Hickory Northeast
2530 16th Street NE
Hickory, NC 28601
828-328-6090
828-324-5400
mmooney1@brookdale.com
_______________________
Caldwell Hospice &

Palliative Care
902 Kirkwood Street, NW
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828)754-0101
FAX: (828)757-0402
www.caldwellhospice.org
_______________________
Carolina Living Choices

Active Adult & Retirement
Communities
Retirement Housing Guide
Betsy OLeary
1854 A Hendersonville Road #243
Asheville, NC 28803
828-650-8428
www.CarolinaLivingChoices.com
Melissa Zuzolo, Director

1985 Tate Blvd SE, Ste 417
Hickory, NC 28602
828-327-3300
mzuzolo@bayada.com
www.bayada.com
PrimeofLife n 77
Prime of life
Directory
Carolina Orthopaedic
Specialists
Hickory 828-324-2800
Lenoir 828-758-7091
Morganton 828-437-6500
Newton 828-464-3771
Taylorsville 828-635-8430
Valdese 828-874-3379
www.carolinaortho.com
_______________________
Catawba Regional Hospice

3975 Robinson Road
Newton, NC 28658
7473 Sherrills Ford Road,
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
828-466-0466
828-466-8862 (fax)
info@pchcv.org
www.CatawbaRegionalHospice.org
_______________________
Catawba Valley
Medical Center
810 Fairgrove Church Rd. SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-326-3000
www.CatawbaValleyMedical.org
www.facebook.com/CatawbaValleyMedicalCenter
_______________________
CVMC Fitness Plus

Hickory, NC 28602
828-326-3680
www.catawbavalleymedical.org/fitness-plus
Silver&Fit provider facility
_______________________
Catawba Womens Center

Robert Boyd, MD
Stephanie Chase, MD
Scott Chatham, MD
Harold Dufour, MD
Robert Highland, MD
Nancy Toy, MD
Allison Whitton, MD
Jason Walker, MD
Jessica Helminen, MSN, WHNP
78 n PrimeofLife
Pamela Monroe, MSN, OGNP

Amy Gorman, MSN, NPC
Kathryn Zook, MSN, NPC
1501 Tate Blvd., SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-4140
www.catawbawomenscenter.com
_____________________
Comfort Keepers
Jamie Dugo
415 7th Avenue SW, Suite 7
Hickory, NC 28602
828-431-2273
jamiedugo@comfortkeepers.com
www.comfortkeepers.com
_______________________
Conover Nursing
& Rehabilitation Center
920 4th Street SW
Conover, NC 28613
828-695-8282 828-695-8217 (fax)
admissions@conovernursingandrehab.com
www.ConoverNursingAndRehab.com
_______________________
DePaul Senior Living

All Inclusive Community
Cambridge House
Assisted Living
114 10th St. NE
Hildebran, NC 28637
828-325-4980
aminton@depaul.org
Hickory Village
Memory Care
427 Third Ave., SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-2230
sblizzard@depaul.org
_______________________
Dignity Memorial
Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals
& Cremations
3010 U.S. Hwy 70 SW
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-1210
Drum Funeral Homes
940 29th Ave NE

Hickory, NC 28601
828-267-5740
Hickory Funeral Home

1031 11th Ave Blvd SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-3010
Willis-Reynolds Funeral
Home & Crematory
56 Northwest Blvd.
Newton, NC 28658
828-464-0131
_____________________
Foothills Oral Surgery

Drs. Darab, Richardson & Lybrand
3452 Graystone Place SE
Hickory, NC 28602
across from Catawba Valley Medical Center
828-322-1667
www.omsdrs.com
_______________________
Frye Regional
Medical Center
Frye Regional
Medical Center
Frye Regional
Medical Center
420 N Center Street
Hickory, NC 28601
828-315-5000
www.fryemedctr.com
_______________________
Frye Heart Center

420 N Center Street
Hickory, NC 28601
828-315-3278
www.FryeHeartCenter.com
_______________________
Gentiva
Home Health
Lenoir Rhyne 828-322-6131
23rd Street 828-328-1871
Granite Works
Monuments, LLC
1070 Taylorsville Rd.
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-754-4002
graniteworks2014@gmail.com
_______________________
Prime of life
Directory
509 1st Ave S

Conover, NC 28613
828-464-3031
Amanda Lael 828-302-9506

Ann Joines 828-312-5926
Heather Swanson 828-234-8694
Angie Cannon 828-234-8435
Referrals for all Gentiva Branches:
828-322-4461
Hickory, NC
_______________________
Guardian Health Services

Sandy Hardin
100 Main Avenue NW, Suite 200
Hickory, NC 28601
828-324-3025
shardin@ghsnc.com
www.ghsnc.com
_______________________
HealthMarkets
Sybil Melton, Licensed Agent, NC & SC
Health, Life, Medicare & Long Term Care
3945 Chevlot Hills Rd
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
704-277-6005
smelton@healthmarkets.com
_______________________
Hickory Community
Theatre
30 3rd Street NW,
Hickory, NC 28601
Administrative Office: 828-327-3855
Box Office: 828-328-2283
_____________________
Hickory Falls Health

& Rehabilitation
100 Sunset Street
Granite Falls, NC 28630
828-396-2387
www.SanstoneHealth.com
PrimeofLife n 79
Prime of life
Directory
Life Transitions
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

375 Third Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601
828- 304-0500
A Mobile Palliative Medicine Practice

828-464-9459
828-466-8862 (fax)
info@YourLifeTransitions.org
www.YourLifeTransitions.org
_____________________
Ridgeview Branch Library

706 First Street SW, Hickory, NC 28602
828-345-6037
Mon.- Thurs. 9am - 9pm; Fri.
& Sat. 9am - 5pm
_______________________
Lutheran Services
Carolinas Trinity Ridge
2140 Medical Park Drive
Hickory NC 28602
828- 322-6995
www.trinityridge.net
_______________________
Home Instead
Senior Care
Susan Saylor, Franchise Owner
Rik Covalinski, Community
Service Representative
833 2nd Avenue SW, PO Box 2636
Hickory, NC 28603
828-256-0184 828-256-0186 (fax)
www.HomeInstead.com/628
_______________________
HWY 55 Burgers
Shakes and Fries
1217 NC-16 Business
Conover, NC 28613
828-465-2002
Sunday thru Thursday - 11am-9pm
Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm
_______________________
Kingston Residence
of Hickory
Independent & Assisted Living
940 Second Street NE
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-9955
www.kingstonhealthcare.com
_______________________
Lenoir Healthcare Center

Tamika Clark
322 Nuway Circle
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-758-7326
80 n PrimeofLife
TRINITY
VILLAGE
Trinity Village
1265 21st Street NE
Hickory, NC 28601
828- 328-2006
www.trinityvillage.net
_______________________
Mountain Ear Hearing

Associates
1217-F NC Highway 16
Conover, NC 28613
828-469-6068
www.mountainearhearing.com
_______________________
PACE@Home
Newton, NC 28658
828-468-3980
828-464-2845 (fax)
_______________________
Patrick, Harper &

Dixon LLP
34 2nd St. NW Suite 400
Hickory, NC 28601
828-322-7741
info@patrickharperdixon.com
www.PatrickHarperDixon.com
Visiting Angels
Richard J. Reynolds III &

Marie M. Reynolds Campus
1970 Baldwin Lane
Winston Salem, NC 27103
336-793-2822
info@familyhousesws.org
_______________________
Keith Gray & Elizabeth Gray

1822 Hickory Blvd SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-572-4300
www.VisitingAngels.com
______________________
Specialized Transport
Dean Hastings
828-441-2000
704-735-5676
828-438-0447
specialized.tran@gmail.com
_____________________
Valley Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center
581 NC Hwy 16 South
Taylorsville, NC 28681
828-632-8146
_____________________
Veterans Service Office

Cindy S. Travis
County Veterans Service Officer
PO Box 389
100-A SW Blvd.
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8255
ctravis@catawbacountync.gov
www.catawbacounty.gov
The Wepner Wellness

Center, LLC
Massage, Yoga, Tai Chi,
Pilates and More!
2301 St. Pauls Church Rd
Newton, NC 28658
Conveniently located off Hwy 70
near Fairgrove Church Rd.
828-228-4141
thewepnerwellnesscenter@gmail.com
www.wepnerwellnesscenter.com
______________________
Prime of life
Directory
SECU Family House
The Wheelchair Place

Brandon Watson
920 Tate Boulevard SE, Suite 104
Hickory, NC 28602
828-855-9099
www.TheWheelChairPlace.com
______________________
YMCA
Hickory Branch
701 1st St NW
Hickory, NC 28601
828-324-2858
Shuford Branch
1104 Conover Blvd E
Conover, NC 28613
828-464-6130
Valley Branch
2254 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-7690
PrimeofLife n 81
WPCOG-AAA
Resource List
ALEXANDER
COUNTY
SERVICE LIST FOR CAREGIVERS
AARP North Carolina.............................. 1-866-389-5650
Adult Life Programs.......................................... 326-9120
Adult Protective Services.................................. 632-1080
After Hours/Weekends
Alexander County Sheriffs Office................. 632-4658
Alexander County Council on Aging................ 632-1717
Alexander County
Department of Social Services...................... 632-1080
Alexander County Government ....................... 632-9332
Alexander County Public Health....................... 632-9704
Alexander County Tax Office............................. 632-4346
Alexander Senior Center................................... 632-1717
ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills Alliance) . .... 322-1447
Alzheimers Association of Western North Carolina
24 Hour Helpline . ............................... 1-800-272-3900
American Red Cross......................................... 632-1990
Area Agency on Aging - Western Piedmont
Council of Governments................................ 322-9191
Are You OK?
Telephone Reassurance Program................. 632-4658
Caregiving Corner
Geriatric Care Management.................(704) 492-0554
Christian Crisis Ministries of
Alexander County......................................... 632-0022
Emergency Services.................................................. 911
Energy Assistance Programs
(LIEAP and CRISIS)....................................... 632-1080
Family Caregiver In-Home Respite
HomeCare Management............................... 754-3665
Family Caregiver Support Program.................. 485-4256
Grief/Loss Support-Hospice and
Home Care of Alexander Co......................... 632-5026
Habitat for Humanity......................................... 635-7889
Hospice and Home Care.................................. 632-5026
Hospitals
Caldwell Memorial Hospital........................... 757-5100
Catawba Valley Medical Center.................... 326-3000
Frye Regional Medical Center....................... 315-5000
Davis Regional Medical Center............(704) 873-0281
Iredell Memorial Hospital......................(704) 873-5661
Wilkes Regional Medical Center..........(336) 651-8100
Home Health/ Home Care Agencies
See Home Health Services in
Yellow Pages of Area Phone Directory
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Morganton...................... 1-800-849-5195 or 437-8280
Medicaid Programs....................................... 632-1080
Medicare Hotline................................. 1-800-633-4227
82 n PrimeofLife
Provided by
WPCOG
Area Agency
on Aging
Medical Equipment
See Medical Equipment, Supplies & Repair in
Morganton Regional Resource Center for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing..................................... 430-7185
NC Assistive Technology Program
(hearing, vision, other).................................. 433-2431
NC Cooperative Extension Service.................. 632-4451
North Carolina 2-1-1 - Finding Community
Health and Human Resources........................ Dial 211
North Carolina Baptist
Aging Ministry (NCBAM)..................... 1-877-506-2226
North Carolina Senior
Legal Helpline...................................... 1-877-579-7562
Nursing Homes & Rest Homes
Call Regional Ombudsman.......................... 485-4213
Nutrition Programs of Alexander County
Congregate Nutrition &
Home Delivered Meals ................................. 632-4133
PACE @ Home-Program of All-Inclusive
Care For The Elderly......................................... 468-3980
Police Department (Taylorsville)...................... 632-2218
Project Lifesaver................................................ 632-4658
Senior Health Insurance Information
Program (SHIIP).................................. 1-800-408-1212
Local Senior Health Insurance Information Program
Counseling Alexander Senior Center............ 632-1717
Services For The Blind...................................... 632-1080
Sheriffs Office................................................... 632-1111
Smoky Mountain Center................................... 586-5501
Access to Care.................................... 1-800-849-6127
Mobile Crisis...........................................888-646-0188
Social Security........................................ 1-800-772-1213
Support Groups-See Alexander Sr.
Center For Assistance....................................... 632-1717
Supportive Solutions - In-Home
Alzheimers Counseling.................................... 358-1110
The Enrichment Center Adult
Day Care Home............................................ 632-0433
Town of Taylorsville........................................... 632-2218
Transportation
Greenway Transit........................................... 464-9444
MediVan Transportation Specialists.............. 441-2000
United Way of Alexander County . ................... 632-9565
Veterans Administration.................................... 632-5411
Vocational Rehabilitation
Services/Independent Living......................... 322-2921

After Hours/Weekends
Burke County Sheriffs Office........................ 438-5500
ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills Alliance)....... 322-1447
Alzheimers Association
24 Hour Helpline..................................... 1-800-272-3900
Area Agency on Aging-Western
Piedmont Council of Gov.............................. 322-9191
Telephone Reassurance For Burke - TAB......... 430-4147
Blue Ridge Adult Day Services........... 438-6255 ext. 230
Blue Ridge Community Action.......................... 438-6255
Burke County Council on Aging....................... 430-4147
Burke County Department of Social Services.... 764-9600
Burke County Health Department.................... 764-9150
Burke County Local Government..................... 761-9000
Burke County Senior Services.......................... 430-4147
Burke County Tax Office .................................. 764-9430
Burke Hospice and Palliative Care................... 879-1601
Burke United Christian Ministries..................... 433-8075
Caregiving Corner
Geriatric Care Management.................(704) 492-0554
Consumer Credit Counseling........................... 433-1576
Department of Social Services Adult Services ... 764-9600
East Burke Christian Ministries......................... 397-7074
East Burke Senior Center................................. 397-3397
(LIEAP and CRISIS) ..................................... 764-9600
Family Caregiver In-Home
Respite-Handi-Care, Inc. . ............................ 437-8429
Foothills Service Project................................... 879-8400
Good Samaritan Clinic...................................... 439-9948
Grief/Loss Support
Burke Hospice and Palliative Care............... 879-1601
Habitat for Humanity......................................... 437-0370
Home Health Agencies / Home Care Providers
See Home Health Services in Area Phone
Directory Hospitals
Broughton Hospital........................................... 433-2111
Carolinas HealthCare Blue Ridge Morganton .580-5000
Carolinas Health Care Valdese Hospital.......... 874-2251
Independent Living........................................... 322-2921
Morganton . ................... 1-866-219-5262 or 437-8280
Lifeline (Emergency Telephone Response)...... 580-6446
Linkup Discount Local Telephone Service....... 764-9600
Medical Equipment
Medicaid Programs........................................... 764-9600
Medicare Hotline..................................... 1-800-633-4227
Mental Health Partners-Access/Crisis.............. 439-2535
Morganton Regional Resource Center for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing................. 430-7185 or 433-2960 TTY
NC Cooperative Extension............................... 439-4460
NC National Guard Family Assistance............. 437-0746
NextStep Geriatric Care Management.............. 640-4188
North Carolina 2-1-1 Community
Health and Human Resources........................ Dial 211
North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry
(NCBAM)............................................. 1-877-506-2226
North Carolina Senior Legal Helpline..... 1-877-579-7562
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
Call Regional Ombudsman........................... 485-4213
Nutrition Programs of Burke County Congregate
Nutrition & Home Delivered Meals................ 430-4147
Olive Hill Community Economic Corp.............. 522-4051
PACE @ Home Program Of All-Inclusive
Care for the Elderly....................................... 468-3980
Partners Behavioral Health Management..888-235-4673
Project Lifesaver-Valdese Police Dept.............. 879-2109
Salvation Army
Financial Assistance..................................... 430-8392
Thrift Store (412 A W Fleming Drive)............ 439-8080
Program (SHIIP).................................. 1-855-408-1212
Counseling East Burke Senior Center......... 397-3397
Counseling Burke Senior Services............ 430-4147
Sheriffs Office-Administration.......................... 438-5500
Social Security Administration................ 1-800-772-1213
Support Groups
See Burke Sr. Services for Assistance.......... 430-4147
Supportive Solutions
In-Home Alzheimers Counseling................. 358-1110
Transportation
Greenway Transit.......................................... 464-9444
Handi-Care, Inc............................................. 437-8429
Medical Transportation, Inc........................... 448-1674
United Way........................................................ 430-8356
Veterans Services............................................. 439-4376
Vocational Rehabilitation Services.................... 433-2423
WPCOG-AAA
Resource List
BURKE
COUNTY
Provided by
WPCOG
Area Agency
on Aging
PrimeofLife n 83
WPCOG-AAA
Resource List
CALDWELL
COUNTY
AARP North Carolina ............................. 1-866-389-5650
After Hours/Weekends-Caldwell
County Sheriffs Office.................................. 754-1518
ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills Alliance)....... 322-1447
Alzheimers Association of Western....... 1-800-272-3900
Area Agency on Aging Western Piedmont
Council of Gov............................................... 322-9191
Blue Ridge Community Action.......................... 438-6255
Caldwell County Cooperative Extension.......... 757-1290
Caldwell County Council on Aging................... 758-2883
Caldwell County Department of
Social Services.............................................. 426-8200
Caldwell County Health Dept............................ 426-8400
Caldwell County Local Government................. 757-1300
Caldwell County Sheriffs Office....................... 758-2324
Caldwell County Tax Office............................... 757-1340
Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care............... 754-0101
Caldwell Memorial Hospital.............................. 757-5100
Caldwell Senior Center..................................... 758-2883
Clerk of Court.................................................... 759-3502
Concilio Hispano............................................... 572-2235
Crossroads Daily Bread Ministries................... 757-0262
Diabetes Health Center..................................... 757-6450
Emergency Life Threatening................................... 911
Ambulance Service-Non Emergency........... 758-2324
(LIEAP and CRISIS)....................................... 426-8200
Family Caregiver In-Home Respite-HomeCare
Management Corp........................................ 754-3665
Foothills Service Project................................... 879-8400
GRASP-Grandparent/Relative
Advocacy Support Partnership..................... 485-4256
Grief/Loss-Caldwell Hospice and
Palliative Care................................................ 754-0101
Habitat For Humanity........................................ 758-8757
Helping Hands Clinic........................................ 754-8565
Home Health Agencies/Home Care Provider SeeHome Health Services in Area Phone
Directory Yellow Pages
Information & Assistance for Older Adults....... 757-8635
Morganton...................... 1-800-849-5195 or 437-8280
Lenoir Soup Kitchen......................................... 758-1411
Living Wills........................................................ 758-2883
Medicaid Programs (Caldwell County DSS).... 426-8200
Medical Equipment
See Medical Equipment, Supplies and
Repair in Directory Yellow Pages
84 n PrimeofLife
Provided by
WPCOG
Area Agency
on Aging

Medication Assistance Program....................... 758-2566
Morganton Regional Resource for Deaf
and Hard of Hearing........................... 1-800-999-8915
NC National Guard Family Assistance Center... 757-4365
North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry
(NCBAM)............................................. 1-877-506-2226
North Carolina 2-1-1 -Community Health
and Human Resources................................... Dial 211
North Carolina Senior Legal Helpline..... 1-877-579-7562
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities..... 485-4213
(Call Regional Ombudsman)
Nutrition Programs
Congregate Nutrition & Home Delivered
Meals............................................................. 438-6255
PACE @ Home-Program Of All-Inclusive Care
For The Elderly.............................................. 468-3980
Palliative Care-Caldwell Hospice and
Palliative Care................................................ 754-0101
Police Department (Lenoir)............................... 757-2121
Project Lifesaver................................................ 757-1419
Register of Deeds............................................. 757-1310
Salvation Army (Granite Falls).......................... 496-2370
Seniors Health Insurance Information
(SHIIP)................................................. 1-855-408-1212
Counseling Caldwell Senior Center........... 758-2883
Smoky Mountain Center 24 Hour Services................................. 1-800-849-6127
Customer Service................................ 1-888-757-5726
South Caldwell Christian Ministries.................. 396-4000
Support Groups See Caldwell Sr.
Center for Assistance.................................... 758-2883
Supportive Solutions In-Home
Alzheimers Counseling................................ 358-1110
Transportation
Greenway Public Transportation................... 464-9444
United Way........................................................ 758-9300
Veterans Service Office..................................... 757-1345
Veterans Clinic (Hickory).................................. 431-5600
Vision Services (Dept. of Social Services)........ 426-4247
Vocational Rehabilitation/Independent
Living............................................................. 757-5639
Womens Shelter Home.................................... 758-0888
Yokefellow......................................................... 754-7088

Conover Center................................................. 464-0078
Hickory Center.................................................. 324-1313
Maiden Center................................................... 428-9010
After Hours/Weekends-Catawba
County Sheriffs Office........................................... 911
ALFA (Aids Leadership Foothills Alliance)........ 322-1447
Alzheimers Association of Western
North Carolina..................................... 1-800-272-3900
Area Agency on Aging Western Piedmont
Council of Governments............................... 322-9191
Are You OK? Telephone Reassurance
Program......................................................... 464-4639
Catawba Aging Coalition.................................. 485-4212
Catawba County Council on Aging/West
Hickory Senior Center................................... 328-2269
Catawba County Department of
Social Services.............................................. 695-5600
Catawba County Health Department................ 695-5800
Catawba County Local Government................ 465-8200
Catawba County Tax Office............................... 465-8414
Catawba Regional Hospice.............................. 466-0466
Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare............. 695-5900
Christian Community Outreach Ministries........ 328-1803
Consumer Credit Counseling........................... 322-7161
Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian
Ministries (ECCCM)....................................... 465-1702
(LIEAP and CRISIS)....................................... 695-5600
Family Caregiver In-Home RespiteHealth
& Home Services,Inc.................................... 322-2710
Family Guidance Center................................... 322-1400
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian
Ministries (CCM)............................................ 327-0979
Grief/Loss Support-Catawba Regional
Hospice......................................................... 466-0466
Habitat For Humanity........................................ 328-4663
Here To Home-Transition Specialists................ 475-4424
Home Health Agencies / Home Care Providers
See Home Health Services in Yellow Pages
of Area Phone Directory
Hospitals
Catawba Valley Medical Center.................... 326-3000
Frye Regional Medical Center...................... 315-5000
Legal Aid of North Carolina..................... 1-800-849-5195
Life Transitions (Palliative Medicine
Consultation Service).................................... 464-9459
Link-Up Discount Local Telephone Service...... 695-5600
Medicaid Programs (Catawba County

Dept. of Social Services)............................... 695-5692
Medical Equipment
Yellow Pages of Area Directory
Morganton Regional Resource Center
for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing......1-800-999-8915 or 1-800-205-9920 TTY
(hearing, vision, other)...................................... 433-2431
NC Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM)...... 1-877-506-2226
Neighbors Network.......................................... 464-1111
North Carolina 2-1-1 -Community Health
& Human Resources....................................... Dial 211
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities..... 485-4213
(Call Regional Ombudsman)
Nutrition Programs
Congregate Nutrition & Home
Delivered Meals............................................. 695-5610
PACE @ Home-Program Of All-Inclusive
Care For The Elderly..................................... 468-3980
Project LifeSaver............................................... 465-8337
Re-Nesting Resources (Professional help with
downsizing/moving).......................................... 381-7622
Salvation Army.................................................. 322-8061
Senior Centers
West Hickory Senior Center.......................... 328-2269
Westmont Senior Center............................... 324-1200
Program (SHIIP) ................................. 1-855-408-1212
Local Senior Health Insurance Information
Program Counseling-Catawba
Council on Aging.......................................... 328-2269
Senior Legal Helpline.............................. 1-877-579-7562
Services for the Blind........................................ 695-5605
Sheriffs Office................................................... 464-5241
Support Groups-See Catawba Council
on Aging for Assistance................................ 328-2269
Supportive Solutions In-Home Alzheimers
Counseling.................................................... 358-1110
Transportation
Greenway Public Transportation................... 464-9444
Medivan Transportation Specialists.............. 441-2000
United Way........................................................ 327-6851
Veterans Clinic.................................................. 431-5600
Vocational Rehabilitation Services/Independent
Living............................................................. 322-2921
Womens Resource Center............................... 322-6333
WPCOG-AAA
Resource List
CATAWBA
COUNTY
Provided by
WPCOG
Area Agency
on Aging
PrimeofLife n 85
Large Print Word Search Puzzles
Large Print Puzzles

- www.largeprintpuzzles.com
ANSWERS
TO PAGE 20
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ANSWERS
PAGE 40
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Copyright 2012 Livewire Puzzles
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USA Presidents
ANSWERS TO PAGE 65
This is the solution to the puzzle located here.
WASHINGTON
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The hidden sentence is:
Valley Nursing Center is a 183-bed skilled nursing

and rehabilitation center located in Taylorsville, North
Carolina.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY CARE
AND QUALITY SERVICES.
Our Short Term 20 bed Rehabilitation Unit boasts private
rooms with a private dining room and 2 therapy gyms.
Our facilities, designed with you in mind, have the latest
equipment and technology.
We have recently added NEW advanced therapy
equipment, such as the Biodex Gait Trainer 3, the
Biodex Balance System SD, and the Biodex Unweighing
System.
Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center specializes in
ventilator management, short stay rehabilitation, wound
care, as well as long-term skilled nursing services.
(828) 632-8146
581 NC Hwy 16 South Taylorsville, NC 28681

http://www.valleyrehab.com/
You have choices.

You can choose
home health or
you can choose
Gentiva Home Health
We believe in compassionate care. We believe in industry-leading

excellence. And we believe theres no place like home for healing.
Maybe thats why so many patients and physicians turn to us every day
for skilled nursing, rehabilitation and therapy services.
NURSING AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
SPEECH THERAPY
MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES SUPPORT
HOME HEALTH AIDES
COMPREHENSIVE BALANCE AND FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM
CARDIAC AND PULMONARY DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ALL THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!

If you would like to learn more about Home Health
services call one of our community liaisons:
Amanda Lael
Ann Joines
Heather Swanson
Angie Cannon
Robbie Anderson
Crystal Sigmon
Shea Ruff
828-302-9506
828-312-5926
828-234-8694
828-234-8435
828-228-0276
828-320-0883
828-358-7432
They can answer any question you may have.
Referrals for all Gentiva Branches

828.322.4461
Gentiva accepts patients for care regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, being a qualified disabled veteran, being a qualified
disabled veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other category protected by law, or decisions regarding
advance directives. Gentiva Health Services, Inc.

Prime of Life 2016

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PrimeofLife

Cut the Clutter

A Duke LifePoint Hospital

Call For More Information Or A Tour!

Conover Nursing &

august 30, 2016 Hickory Metro Convention Center 9am-2pm

A Duke LifePoint Hospital

Falling Creek & Hickory Northeast

mentally and physically

Brought to you by:

Visit us online at myfryeregional.com

n Welcome to the SIR Family...................... 6

n legal & Financial........................................18

n Quality of Life ..............................................43

n Prime of life Directory. .........................77

How do you define family? Is it made up of blood

Have you seen the Prime of Life Resource Guide? This

May the road rise up to meet you.

Cut The Clutter

e all start the year with the

Organizing is a decision making process

SET GOALS, IDENTIFY AREAS

Walk around your home and decide which

Serving patients and families

to spend the most time in. Maybe its a guest

HAVE A SORTING SYSTEM

Start with a small area to work in so that you

BE COMMITTED WHEN PURGING

Its ok to let go of things. You still have the

KEEP LIKE WITH LIKE

Store similar items together and put them close

TAKE YOUR TIME AND DONT

Decluttering and purging can take 3-5 times

PREVENT FUTURE CLUTTER BY

Before you purchase something, ask

DECLUTTER A LITTLE EACH DAY

Deal with mail, magazines, clothes and

ONE IN, ONE OUT RULE

Whenever you bring something into the

DONT BUY: RENT OR BORROW

If you only use something every now and

It Will Grow On You!

any see anything related to

SERVPRO of Alexander/ Burke/Caldwell

species classification known as Fungi.

Bobby Dean, Jr., CES, CIAQI

Independent & Assisted Living

With us, your hearts

Catawba Valley Cardiology provides general cardiology, peripheral interventions,

Conveniently located in the Graystone Professional Building across

public. For people with allergies to mold, there

The most common symptoms of mold exposure

As mold counts increase outside our buildings,

When visible mold growth exists in our indoor

accumulates on building materials, mold growth

William B. Bell, M.D.

Mark S. Brazinski, M.D.

Michael P. Bunch, M.D.

Timothy H. Kirkland, M.D.

Ralph J. Maxy, M.D.

Patrick M. OBrien, M.D.

W. Luke Robinson, M.D.

J. Barry Sanderlin, M.D.

Stephen J. Sladicka, M.D. James E. Stanislaw, M.D.

Justin B. Jones, M.D.

Jeffrey P. Keverline, M.D.

Douglas S. Tice, M.D.