helping hands care guide --2013

Rock County Housing, Home Care & Hospice Guide 2013 | 1

If you‘re looking for a unique opportunity to reach a targeted audience of seniors, babyboomers, grandparents, caregivers and providers, you’ve come to the right place.

Helping Hands is here for you.

2013

Helping HandsA Resource for Senior Care in Rock County

2 | Rock County Housing, Home Care & Hospice Guide 2013

Table of contents 2 Message from the Rock County Council on Aging 4 Pre-Planning Options Before Events Happen 14 Funeral Preplanning: A Necessary Conversation17 Homework Required for Peace of Mind!19 Medical Assistance Eligibility Planning21 Eating Berries May Lower Parkinson’s Risk22 Yoga For Boomers23 Reuniting with Home

Get to know...10 Brightstar16 Mercy Home Health Care19 Edgerton Memorial Hosptial

Directories 6 Housing, Home Care, Hospice Care11 Nursing Homes12 Adult Day Care/Meal Sites15 Chores/Housework15 Home Delivered Meals


Message from the Rock County Council on Aging …

At the Rock County Council on Aging, we believe that Older Americans are a special resource. To be honored. To be recognized for their value to the community. Our mission is to help preserve the independence, self worth and dignity of older residents of Rock County.

The Rock County Council on Aging is committed to addressing issues of health, nutrition, transportation, information & assistance, benefits counseling, care-giving, independent living, preventative health, elder abuse, and social needs.

The Benefit Specialist helps older persons who are having a problem with their private or government benefits. Benefit Specialists are often called “red tape cutters” because they are experts in helping with the complicated paperwork that is often required in benefit programs.

Benefit Specialists help with Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Part D, Supplemen-tal Security Income, Social Security, Homestead Tax Credit, Food Stamps, Veteran’s Administration Benefits and much more. Call 757 5414.

The Rock County Golden Diners program offers hot, healthy, nutritionally balanced meals. The meals are designed by a registered dietitian to meet one third of the recommended dietary allowance. Participants are asked to contribute toward the cost of the meal.

But there’s more to the story than just a well balanced meal. At the Golden Diners sites, friendship and fun are always included on the daily menu.

To make reservations, call at least one day ahead, before 11:30 a.m., to 757-5474.

Weekday meals are delivered to those who are home-

bound and unable to cook for themselves. Our Home Delivered Meals recipients, many of whom are frail

and alone, appreciate the daily human contact they receive when the driver delivers their meal. For information on Home Delivered Meals, call 757-5474.

Rock County Specialized Transit responds to the transportation needs of Rock County resi-dents who are age 55 and older, or are disabled.

Vans, which are lift equipped, are used to provide door to door service to all areas within Rock County, Mon-day through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 757-5054 to schedule a ride.

Volunteer RIDES Drivers, using their own vehicles, provide transportation to medical appointments out-side of Rock County, for instance Madison, Monroe or Rockford, IL. Call 757-5054 to make reservations.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is designed for family caregivers to give them informa-tion and assistance with their caregiving duties and a grant for temporary respite. For more information, call 758-8455.

The Council on Aging also offers several evidence-based programs to improve health and provide a better quality of life. They include Powerful Tools for Care-giving, Living well with Chronic Conditions, Stepping On (a falls prevention program), and Healthy Eating for Successful Living.

Rock County Council on Aging Mailing Address: 51 S. Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545Location: 3328 US HWY 51 North, Janesville, WI 53545

Phone: 608-757-5472 Fax: 608-758-8472 Website: www.co.rock.wi.us

Senior Review (SR) assumes no responsibility for the advertising content of this housing directory nor for any mistakes or omissions there in. No endorsements of any products or services is made and none should be inferred. The terms and conditions under which the advertise-ment will be honored are the sole responsibility of the advertisers and not SR or the Rock County Council on Aging. A telephone call to the advertising property manager or real estate firm may eliminate confusion to any exceptions in the advertisement. The Rock County Housing and Apartment Directory is owned by SR. Copyright ©2012. For more information, or to advertise in the next resource directory call Se-nior Review at 715-831-0325.

Arwen Rasmussen, Editor/[email protected] 715-831-0325

Joyce Lubben, Director 757-5472Ranee Goodroad, Nutrition Program Supervisor 757-5474Terri Pass, Benefit Specialist 757-5414Julie Seeman, Information and Assistance 758-8455Sherry Muth, Specialized Transit Dispatcher 757-5054Justin Svingen, Mobility Manager 757-5408Joyce Jass, Clerk Typist III 757-5472Steve Skelly, Transportation Program Supervisor


Why Are Power of Attorney Documents Important?

Power of attorney documents allow someone else to make decisions on your behalf should assistance in making decisions becomes necessary. There are two documents; one is the Durable Power of Attorney, the other is the Power of Attorney for Health Care. If you are unable to make decisions for yourself and you do not have power of attorney documents in place, a court guardianship proceeding may be necessary. Power of attorney documents give authorities to another to make decisions only during lifetime. They cease to have power at date of death. If you wish to control who would make decisions on your behalf and the extent to which they make decisions, power of attorney documents are necessary. This is true even with married couples. This is not an automatic right because of your marriage. If you do not have documents in place, a court proceeding may be needed to make decisions.

Understanding Power of Attorney and Guardianship

Power of attorney documents allow someone else to make decisions for you in the event that assistance is needed. A Power of Attorney for Health Care ONLY deals with health related decision making. A Durable Power of Attorney for finances ONLY deals with money related decision making. The two documents together can avoid the need for a Court guardianship proceeding should you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. If you only have one or the other power of attorney document in place and you lose the ability to make you own decisions, a Court guardianship proceeding will be necessary to allow someone to make decisions for you. If you do not have the Power of Attorney for Health Care, a guardianship of the person may be necessary. If you do not have Durable Power of Attorney for finances, a guardianship of the estate may be necessary. It is important to have both documents in place and to have the rights being transferred to someone else explained.

Power of Attorney Versus Joint OwnershipI have gotten a number of questions relating to the

difference between the use of a power of attorney for finances and making someone a joint owner on accounts. The difference is significant and deserves a little explanation.

Making someone a joint owner on an account is just that, ownership. Many people do this so that if someone else needs to pay bills, they will be able to write checks on your account. Because this is an ownership designation, it also allows that person to close the account, write checks for anything they choose, subject the account to that other person’s creditors or subject the account to potential divorce proceedings.

The better way to allow someone to have access to accounts for bill paying is through a power of attorney. This document will allow someone to have access to accounts, pay bills etc., but does not give them ownership in the assets. The agent under a power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to you to make sure they do things right. It is a safer way to allow someone to pay bills for you. Keep the assets in your name alone.

Where to Obtain DocumentsThe State of Wisconsin has created by statute

the Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. These are the two advanced medical directives authorized by the State of Wisconsin. These documents are State specific so each State creates the rules as to

Pre-Planning Options Before Events HappenBy Mary Beth Gardner, Elder Law Attorney


how these documents have to be signed, witnessed and/or notarized and what provisions need to be in the document. These documents can be obtained through the Department of Human Services and on line. You are not required to have an attorney do these documents for you, however if they are improperly executed, problems can arise when they have to be used. Improper documents can trigger the need for a guardianship action if someone with a defective document is no longer able to understand information well enough to execute new documents. The State of Wisconsin has also created a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney for finances. If they are improperly executed, problems can arise when they have to be used. Improper documents can trigger the need for a guardianship action if someone with a defective document is no longer able to understand information well enough to execute new documents. I also suggest getting the advice of an attorney for this document as there are many legal issues that need the explanation of an attorney. The way this document is completed could have consequences for management, tax, Medical Assistance or other issues.

Record Keeping — Power of Attorney for Health Care

Is it a good idea to keep the original Power of Attorney for Health Care document in a safe deposit box?

Generally, that is fine. However, you may consider the following tips:

1. Make sure your agents under the Power of Attorney are also co-owners of the box with you. Otherwise, they will not have access to the document.

2. Make sure you keep a copy of the signed document in a place other than the box. This document is likely to be needed at night, on a weekend or on a holiday where you or your agent will not have access to the bank.

Make sure you keep the original document. Even though there is a suggestion that the original be left with your physician, you may deal with more than one doctor, the doctor can move, retire or otherwise be unavailable, and the document may not be kept as part of your permanent record. Hand out copies of the document when asked.


Rock County Council on Aging, Information and Assistance is the first step to finding resources for older adults in Rock County at 758-8455.

Community Based Residential Facilities(CBRF)for advanced aging

Azura Memory Care (Three Locations) Beloit 365-7470 Clinton 676-4056 Janesville 757-9300Cedar Crest Assisted Living 756-0344Collinwood Elderly Care 879-3084Cozy Li’l Acre 758-1103Hearthside 757-2275Heartwarming House 868.3040Huntington Residence Memory Care 868-5035Kelly House 882-4191Our House Assisted Living 756-1340Our House Memory Care 756-9030Pioneer Court 365-9451Sherman Home, The 758-3324St. Elizabeth Manor 876-4000Sun Valley East 362-8094Sun Valley Terrace 365-3737Sun Valley West 365-7455Woods Crossing 897-3031Wright Home, The 758-3324

Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCAC) In Rock County

Cedar Crest 756-0344Heights at Evansville Manor 882-9995Huntington Place 868-5035Kelly House Asst. Living Apts. 882-4191Milton Senior Living 868-3000Riverside Terrace 365-7222Swifthaven 884-2828

Area Nursing HomesAlden Meadow Park H.C.C 608-676-2202Beloit Health & Rehab Center 608-365-2554Cedar Crest Health Center 608-756-0344Evansville Manor 882-5700Edgerton Care Center 884-1617

Edgerton Hospital-Swing Bed 884-3441Mercy Manor Transition Center 756-6000Premier Rehab & Skilled Nursing 365-9526Rock Haven Nursing Home 757-5028St. Elizabeth Nursing Home 752-6709Stoney River Rehab 298-3833Van Matre HealthSouth Rehab 815-381-8500Woods Crossing At Woods Point 897-3031

Senior Apartment Listings in Rock CountySubsidized = X

Albany Riverview Apartment 862-3424 XBeloit Emerson Hall Apt. 364-4457 XHigh School Apt. 365-2517 Hillcrest Apt. 363-9246 Ridge Manor Apt. 362-8697 Riverside Terrace 365-7222Rock Bay Harbor 362-1020 Scoville Center Apt. 362-4900 XVillage on Olympian Hill 363-8360 Village East Apartments 361-9870 XWoodside Terrace 365-0333 XBrodheadBrodhead Sr. Village 877-377-1434Brodview Manor 897-2768 X

Rock county HoME AnD coMMunIty-BASED SERVIcES


ClintonMeadow Park Apt. 290-2338 XEdgertonEdgerton Meadows 800-346-8581 XEdgerton Retirement Apts. 884-9009 XEdgewood Glen 884-2680 Elm Drive Apt. 884-8454 XEvansvilleArbor Glen Apt. 800-346-8581 XEast Mills Creek Apt. 882-5339 Kelly House 882-4191Seminary Park Apt. 882-0595 XSouth Meadow Apt. 882-4518 XFootvilleEzra Foot Memorial Manor 876-6522 XJanesvilleBurbank Apartments 754-4040 XCedar Crest 756-0344First Senior Housing I 289-2200First Senior Housing II 289-2200 Garden Court 755-1755 XGolden Acres Apt. 756-0121 Grant Village Apt. 755-1755 XGreen Forrest Run 754-1886 XHamilton Terrace Apt. 757-2892 XHuntington Place 868-5035 Parkview Manor Apt. 757-1255 Regency Senior Apts. 757-2566 River Place Senior Apt. 757-9456 Riverview Heights 752-5999 XWesley Park Senior Apts. 758-3737 Willard Haus Apt. 752-3060 MiltonHomestead Apt. 868-3808 Milton Meadows 800-346-8581 XParkview Terrace Apt. 868-7022 XOrfordvilleOrfordville Meadows 800-346-8581 X

Medical Home Health Care (In-Home)Accura Home Health 676-2337At-Home Healthcare 363-5885Home Health United 800-924-2273

Mercy Home Health 754-2201RESCare Home Care 755-0592Senior Services Plus Health Care 757-5959Society’s Assets 800-261-8181Stoughton Home Health 873-2366

Non-Medical Supportive Home Care Agency

Apara Care 289-3186Aspire Generation Liberty 490-0381Alternative Home Care, Inc. 758-3324Brightstar 314-8501Comfort Keepers 815-624-6602Home Companion Registry 856-0153Home Instead Senior Care 314-9241RES Care Home Care 755-0592Visiting Angels 877-276-7039

Live-In Caregivers And CompanionsBrightstar 314-8501Good People 800-608-8003Hearts to Home 888-352-9040

Hospice CareAgrace Hospice 755-1871Beloit Regional Hospice 363-7421Heartland Hospice Services 815-282-2279Mercy Hospice Care 754-2201Saint Jude Hospice 819-6655Southern Care Hospice 866-419-2773


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BrightStar has been providing homecare for seniors and people of all ages in Rock and surrounding counties for more than 5 years! Approximately 90 Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and Phlebotomists work out of our office in downtown Janesville, to ensure that we are able to respond quickly, around the clock, to bring peace of mind to families needing assistance.

At BrightStar, the answer is “YES!” We are able to provide supportive homecare assistance such as housekeeping, laundry, shopping, transportation to appointments and errands, meal preparation, medication reminders, respite care and companionship activities. Our CNAs can provide hands-on assistance with bathing, transfers and

mobility, toileting, incontinence care, and dressing and grooming. Because all care is provided by a CNA, nurse, or phlebotomist, BrightStar is able to also offer assistance with more complex tasks such as mechanical transfers, bowel programs, catheter care, injections, medication administration and med box fills, and blood draws.

Our BrightStar RN is assigned to each personal care case to conduct an initial assessment, set up a plan of care, follow up on any concerns or care plan adjustments, and perform supervisory visits. BrightStar guarantees a caregiver match acceptable to our client, and offers 24/7 live answer by our customer care managers to respond to client scheduling and caregiver needs.

Call our Janesville office at 608-314-8501 and visit with one of our Customer Care Managers or look

us up online at www.brightstarcare.com for more information on how BrightStar can “make more possible” for you or a loved one.

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BrightStar home care and support servicesare available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.Whenever the time, or whatever the need,our certified nursing assistants and nursesare dedicated to providing quality,customized care!

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Get to know...BrightStar


Nursing Homes• Alden Meadow Park H.C.C.; 676-2202 709 Meadow Park Drive, Clinton 53525• Beloit Health & Rehab; 365-2554 1905 West Hart Road, Beloit, 53511• Cedar View Health Center; 756-0344 1702 S River Road, Janesville, 53546• Evansville Manor; 882-5700 470 Garfield Ave, Evansville, 53536• Edgerton Care Center; 884-1617 313 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, 53534• Edgerton Hospital – Swing Bed Program; 884-3441 313 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, 53534• Mercy Manor Transition Center; 756-6000 1000 Mineral Point Ave, Janesville, 53548• Premier Rehab & Skilled Nursing; 365-9526 2121 Pioneer Dr, Beloit, 53511• Rock Haven Nursing Home; 757-5028 3418 N Cty Trk Hwy F, Janesville, 53547• St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Home; 752-6709 502 St. Lawrence, Janesville, 53545• Stoney River Rehab; 715-298-3833 7805 Birch St., Weston, WI 54476• Woods Crossing At Woods Point; 897-3031 401 E 23rd St, Brodhead, 53520

FEELS LIKE HOME!• Spacious 2 bedrooms

• Barrier Free• Staff person available 24/7

• One meal a day• Housekeeping services and more

• Easy transition to Kelly House assisted living rooms or apartments if more care is needed

Diane Skinner RN608-882-4191

121 S. 5th Street, Evansville

The Duplexes at Kelly House

1-800-GAMBLE-5 (426-2535)24 Hour Helpline to assist problem and compulsive gamblers.

Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling www.wi-problemgamblers.org

Approximately 333,000 Wisconsin residents have a gambling problem.

National Problem

Gambling Awareness

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Adult dAy CAreConsists of daytime care for functionally impaired elderly persons. It is provided through a structured program of social and rehabilitative and/or mainte-nance services in a supportive group setting outside the client’s home. The fees for adult day services vary, generally be-tween $45 to $60 per day, with additional fees for transportation.

Adult Day Care and Hourly Respite are available through the following agencies:

KANDU Adult Day Care 1741 Adel St, Janesville WI 53546 755-4123Meals, recreational activities, personal care, bathing and community involvement. Operates Monday thru Friday www.kanduindustries.com

Lutheran Social Services Adult Day Care 741-6434740 N. Randall, Janesville, WI 53545Meals, personal care, bathing, recreational activities and transportation. Operates Monday thru Friday.

Lutheran Social Services Adult Day Care362-86112222 Advance Drive, Beloit, WI 53511Meals, personal care, bathing, recreational activities and transportation. Operates Monday thru Friday.

MeAls And nutrition Congregate Meals are meal sites available in most communities that provide an opportunity for Seniors (over age 60 and county residents) to enjoy a hot meal in a warm family-like atmosphere. A donation for each meal is suggested.

Congregate meal locations in Rock County are:Janesville Riverview Heights Apartments930 N Washington StreetMeals Served at 11:30 a.m.

Beloit Grinnell Hall 631 Bluff Street Meals Served at 11:45 a.m.

Evansville Creekside Place 102 Maple Meals Served at 11:45 a.m. Transportation Available

MiltonThe Gathering Place715 Campus LaneMeals Served at NoonTransportation Available

Clinton Clinton Senior Center 508 Front Street Meals Served at Noon

Reservations are required. To reserve a meal or cancel a meal, call no later than noon of the prior business day. To Find Out More–To Make a ReservationCall: 757-5474


Competitively priced Assisted Living in both Beloit and Roscoe.

Now is the perfect time to learn more.

Call (608) 365-7222 for a private showing.

Affiliated with Beloit Health System • www.BeloitHealthSystem.org

Lloyd and Mary Eneix knew the time was right to make a change. They both were experiencing health concerns that made it difficult to live on their own. Who would be their “backup” if something went wrong? After the couple looked at several options, they were the most comfort-able with the proximity, people, and living choices at Riverside Terrace.

3055 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit, WI

“We liked what we saw,” says Lloyd. Their children agreed. Plus, as Lloyd says “Our room was clean as a whistle when we moved in.” With planned outings, beautiful gar-dens, friendly residents and the comforts of home, they have enjoyed their decision to move to Riverside Terrace.

Lloyd and Mary Eneix

Openings

Now Available

5605 E. Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL


All of us will inevitably be faced with our own death and the

decisions that need to be made in order to ensure that our finances are in order and our final wishes are carried out. But another reality that many of us face in today’s society is that of overseeing these same issues for our aging parents. Sadly, this responsibility is often undertaken without ever having the necessary conversations with our parents about what their financial situations are or what their wishes are for their end-of-life options.

Not everyone has the opportunity to discuss these things with their parents before deteriorating health makes it impossible, so if your parents remain in good health and are willing to engage in this conversation, consider yourself fortunate. There is

no greater gift to the peace of mind of all family members than to have been proactive about end-of-life plans. The alternative is to be forced to make major decisions during times of emotional or financial crisis and to guess at what our parents’ wishes might have been.

It is human nature to want to avoid difficult issues, so approaching this conversation and getting open sharing may not be as easy as we’d like it to be. Older generations were often raised to keep information about their personal affairs and finances private, so some elderly parents may assume their children’s attempts to discuss these matters are indications that they want to take over their personal affairs or that they are simply being nosy.

The good news is recent research shows that more than 70% of

older parents say they would be comfortable talking about their estates and end-of-life decisions with their children. They may have difficulty initiating the discussion, but pay attention to subtle cues parents may provide indicating that they are prepared to have a conversation. They may ask for advice about a financial decision or mention something they heard or read regarding funeral pre-planning. Don’t let these opportunities pass by.

On the other hand, if your parents don’t initiate the conversation, you may have to take the lead. You may have success using a similar subtle approach by asking for your parents’ advice about your own finances or end-of-life options. Some elderly parents may be more comfortable talking with a professional—be

Funeral Pre-Planning: A Necessary ConversationBy Mary Boyd, Certified Pre-Planning Specialist, Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home


HoMe delivered MeAlsHome delivered meals is a service that brings hot, nutritionally balanced meals to homebound seniors and their caregivers, age 60 and older. Meals are available Monday – Friday and on weekends in some areas. Home delivered meals are available throughout the county. For eligibility, please contact:• Beloit Meals On Wheels – 362-3683• Mercy Health System – 756-6077• Rock County Council on Aging - 757-5474

CHores And HousekeepingThe following agencies provide an array of in-home services such as laundry, light house-keeping, meal preparation and transportation.• Beloit Chore Service 365-5670• RESCare Home Care 755-0592• Home Instead Senior Care 314-9241• Mercy Assisted Care 754-2201• Stoughton Hospital Home Health 873-2366

willing to accommodate this if necessary, knowing that at least the conversation is taking place.

In any case, it would be wise to prepare for the conversation in advance. Do some research about the various options available in your area including home health services, hospice care, funeral homes, cemeteries and options for final disposition of bodies. Familiarize yourself with documents like living wills, power of attorney, and advance directives. Also investigate legal issues specific for your state regarding pre-funding of funerals and Medicaid requirements. A great place to begin is your local funeral home. Most will have knowledge of all of these subjects and will have staff members specially trained and licensed to assist with all of these aspects of pre-planning.

The key in many cases is finding a way to begin the conversation and knowing the appropriate questions to ask. Let your parents know that although having this discussion is difficult, your primary concern is to ensure that their wishes are carried out. It may be less threatening to begin by asking questions regarding your parents’ thoughts and feelings about their own care while they are alive, rather than immediately discussing their finances or things to be considered after they have died.• What medications are they currently taking?• Who is their primary care physician?/Do they have a

preference regarding which hospital they would want to be taken to?• Do they have advance medical directives?/Living

Will/What are their feelings about life support or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)• Do they have a power of attorney in place, or

do they have someone in mind to oversee their care and/or finances should they become unable to do so themselves?

If these questions have been well-received and an open discussion is taking place, it is probably a good indication that you can proceed with more in-depth personal questions, such as:• Do they have a will?• Have they made any kind of financial arrangements

should they need hospitalization or long-term care in a nursing home?• What kinds of bank accounts/investments/insurance

policies do they have?• Do they have any plans or purchases made regarding

their wishes for their funeral services and burials?/Have they set aside any funding for their funerals?• If not, what ARE their funeral wishes? Traditional

funeral with casket and body present/cremation/earth burial/mausoleum/music/scripture…etc.• Where are all of their important documents and

papers located? *It is important to note that any paperwork regarding their funeral arrangements should NOT be kept in a safe deposit box, as these are typically not opened soon enough. Give these instructions to the selected funeral home and to family members!

An open and honest conversation is an important first step in ensuring that our parents’ final arrangements and finances are handled respectfully and in accordance with their wishes. As daunting a task as this may seem, once this conversation has taken place and the information has been gathered, the resulting peace of mind for all parties will be well worth the time and effort.


Visit us online at ... www.liveattheheights.com 93


De-Stressing Caregiving By Tammy Pence, Azura Memory Care

Communicating with someone who has memory loss can sometimes be the hardest part of the

disease process. Caregivers often find themselves sitting in silence with their loved one, because they don’t know what to say or how to say it. The truth of the matter is communication is key to surviving any type of caregiving journey, because it helps you maintain your connection with your loved one and allows you an outlet for a very basic need. Here are a few ways to help improve your communication as a caregiver.

1. Get the person’s attention — Use eye contact — securing eye contact helps to get the individual’s attention, helping their brain to more easily focus on you and what you are saying. A gentle touch can also accomplish this. Look directly at the person before you speak, identify yourself at the beginning of each interaction and maintain eye or touch contact at all times.

2. Speak clearly, in short, direct sentences — Use one-step commands — use the KISS method (Keep It Simple and Short). Complex or abstract subjects will be difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s to follow. Talk about things that are seen, heard, touched or smelled. Be matter of fact, ask, “either/or” or as a last resort “yes” or “no” questions as much as possible.

3. Use your non-verbal skills — Smile and mirror their body language, switching until you can draw them into a conversation or a better mood. Consider providing illustrations, drawings or photos to give additional cues to your conversation. At Azura we highly encourage families to use Life Story Books to help draw out magical moments for their loved one. Also avoid environmental distractions such as the TV or radio.

4. Praise and encourage — Be affectionate with your loved one and realize that they need to be told that they are loved and important to you. They also need to be hugged. Families often fret about what to give their loved one, but in reality most would just love a simple hug, smile, trip down memory lane or to be told that they “did a good job.”

5. Be patient — If they or you become frustrated, take a break and try again later. They will sense when you are tired, stressed or in a hurry, and may mirror you, becoming upset or confused as a result. A quiet, soothing voice, gentle touch or a calm presence may reassure and calm someone who is confused or upset.

These five items might seem overly simple, but that’s what communicating truly is a simple dialogue that when approached and maintained correctly can connect two people, regardless of where their memories ought to be.

Tammy Pence is the Director of Community Relations for Azura Memory Care of Janesville, Clinton, Monroe and Beloit. Azura Memory Care offers a unique model of memory care services and programs for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Azura believes in the importance of transforming the culture of care through transformational programming and educational outreach. If you would like to learn more about these FREE educational programs for caregivers, professionals and the community, please contact Tammy at 608-295-2764 or via e-mail at [email protected].


ROCK BAYHARBOR

Independent Living for Seniors55 Years and Older1850 Huebbe Parkway

Beloit, WI 53511608-362-1020

[email protected]

Across from Beloit Clinic and Minutes From Janesville!Monday-Friday, 9:00-12:00pm and 12:30-4:00pm

Saturday and Sunday by Appointment

1 and 2 Bedrooms AvailableDonuts and

Coffee 6 days a week (No Holidays)

Cards, Bingo, Pot Luck, Domino’s, Parties &

Much More

•Heated Underground Parking Available for Additional Fee •Modern Apartments •Parklike Setting •Planned Activities •Secured Building

RENTS starting at $575 per month

Enhanced by the Rock River view and walkway, River Place offers tranquil living inside and out.

Lavish floor plans, underground parking, security building and more ...

RIVER PLACE SENIOR APARTMENTS

102 River St.Janesville, WI 53548608-757-9456Ages 55 and up

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Contact Us at (608) 289-2200for details & a no-obligation personal tour

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55 & BetterMany Property Amenities: Heated underground parking Controlled access entry Management services Fully applianced kitchens Laundry rooms

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**Income Restrictions May Apply**

Also Included: Heat & water 24-hour emergency maintenance Ample closet and storage space Decks or patios for each unit Community rooms with free planned activities

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The average cost of long term nursing home care in Wisconsin

is $215.46 per day. This astounding figure makes the possibility that long term nursing home care could quickly deplete your life savings a daunting reality. You can avoid or minimize your losses by planning for long term nursing home care sooner rather than later.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, known as Medical Assistance in Wisconsin, which provides health care coverage to financially eligible individuals. It is the only government program that pays for long term nursing home care. In order to be eligible for Medical Assistance, you must have assets worth $2,000.00 or less. If you have more than $2,000.00 worth of assets, you will not qualify for Medical Assistance until you spend down your assets. There are various exemptions from this limitation. For instance, you may own a home worth up to $750,000.00, and household goods are not included in the calculation.

If you make gifts within five years before applying for Medical Assistance, the value of such gifts are included in the calculation of your assets. This five-year period is called a “look back period.” Because any gifts made within the look back period are included in the calculation, it is important to keep records of all financial activity if you may need or want to apply for Medical Assistance in the future.

By making gifts within the look back period, you are subject to a penalty period. During the penalty period, you are ineligible for Medical

Assistance and responsible for paying the nursing home for your care out of pocket. The length of the penalty period is calculated by dividing the total value of the assets gifted during the look back period by $215.46, the average daily cost of long term nursing home care in Wisconsin. The result of this calculation is the number of days you are ineligible for Medical Assistance.

The penalty period does not begin until three conditions are met: (1) you must be in a nursing home; (2) you must have applied for Medical Assistance; and (3) you must be eligible to receive Medical Assistance, except for the gifts, meaning that you have assets worth $2,000.00 or less.

Here is an example of how the look back period and penalty period work:

In December 2008, Elizabeth gifts $30,000.00 in cash to her children. Elizabeth begins receiving home care in September 2012. She enters a nursing home and applies for Medical Assistance in November 2012, at

which time she has $20,000.00 in her savings account.

Elizabeth was not eligible for Medical Assistance in September 2012 because she was not receiving care in a nursing home. Although she was in a nursing home in November 2012, she was not eligible for Medical Assistance yet because the look back period includes Elizabeth’s 2008 gift of $30,000.00 in her assets for purposes of determining her Medical Assistance eligibility. The penalty period will last for approximately 139 days ($30,000.00 in gifts within the look back period divided by $215.46 average daily cost of long term nursing home care).

Elizabeth’s penalty period will not begin until her savings account balance is $2,000.00 or less. Based upon the amount of her assets over the eligibility limitation of $2,000.00, Elizabeth’s penalty period will not begin for approximately 83 days ($18,000.00 in assets over eligibility limitation divided by $215.46 average daily cost of long term nursing home care).

After taking into account Elizabeth’s gifts and savings account, she will not be eligible for Medical Assistance for over seven months. During this time, she will be responsible for paying for the cost of her nursing home care out of pocket.

You can avoid or minimize your out-of-pocket costs for nursing home care by planning sooner rather than later, planning before a crisis occurs, and including flexible provisions in your estate planning documents to allow you to better respond to changes in circumstances.

Medical Assistance Eligibility PlanningBy Mark D. Munson, Ruder Ware


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Researchers from the American Academy of Neurology shows men and women who

regularly eat berries may have a lower risk of de-veloping Parkinson’s disease, while men may also further lower their risk by regularly eating apples, oranges and other sources rich in dietary compo-nents called flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in plants and fruits, such as berries and grapefruit, and known collectively as vitamin P and citrin.

The study involved 49,281 men and 80,336 women. Researchers gave participants question-naires and used a database to calculate intake amount of flavonoids. They then analyzed the association between flavonoid intakes and risk

of developing Parkinson’s disease. They also analyzed consumption of five major sources of foods rich in fla-vonoids: tea, berries, apples, red wine and oranges or orange juice. The partici-pants were followed for 20 to 22 years.

During that time, 805 people developed Parkin-son’s disease. In men, the

top 20% who consumed the most flavonoids were about 40% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than the bottom 20% of male participants who consumed the least amount of flavonoids. In women, there was no relationship between overall flavonoid consumption and developing Parkinson’s disease. However, when subclasses of flavonoids were examined, regular consumption of anthocya-nins, which are mainly obtained from berries, were found to be associated with a lower risk of Parkin-son’s disease in both men and women.

The study was also supported by the National In-stitutes of Health and was presented at the Ameri-can Academy of Neurology’s 63rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu, April 2011.

For more information go to the website: [email protected]

Eating Berries May Lower Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Five major sources of foods rich in flavonoids: tea, berries, apples, red wine and oranges or orange juice.

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It’s an Environment of Trust and Familiarity.It’s an Our House Tradition.

Properties of Milestone Management Services

The Our House Promise: We are passionately committed to making a difference in the lives of the residents and

families we serve. We provide the highest quality care and excellent services, while promoting social interaction

of seniors in a nurturing home-like environment.www.ourhousesl.com

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Yoga for Boomers and Beyond By Mary Hilliker, RD, RYT 500, Certified Viniyoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist

If yoga makes you think of pretzel poses, think again. Yoga that is adapted for boomers and beyond offers

many tools for optimal health. It is a science that promotes physical fitness, physiological and emotional/mental health through yoga postures, breathing practices, deep relaxation, and other practices.

What are the tangible benefits of regular yoga practice?

Physical — Expect improved strength and stability, better flexibility, improvement in posture, better mind-body awareness, more functional movement patterns, reduced pain and stiffness, better balance and improved circulation from doing yoga several times per week.

Physiological — As we age, our physiology (organ and glands) benefits from the deep breathing practices so common in most yoga traditions. Deeper breathing helps almost all of our organs and glands and can improve digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, stress, sleep, immunity, nervous system tone and energy level. Deep breathing also has an important role in pain management and mental health. .

Mental/Emotional — While Yoga does a body good in terms of physical and physiological fitness, it also improves what I like to call “attitude and gratitude.” A yoga practice suited to your individual needs can increase self-confidence, happiness, focus, memory, compassion, and capacity to deal with life’s inevitable changes. At its core, yoga philosophy teaches us not to identify with our body, that we are much more than the aging chassis that we walk around in.

The Every Day Yoga PostureThis is a yoga posture that can be used on a daily

basis. Do this posture in the morning to relieve any stiffness from sleeping, in the evening before bed and after any activities that aggravate your low back.

Cakravakasana (Table Position to Child Pose) Breath/Movement Instructions: As you exhale,

pull the tummy in toward your spine, then lower the forearms as you begin to take the hips back toward your heels. On the inhalation phase of the posture, come back up and out to the table position, gently lifting the chest without compressing in your lower

back. Repeat the movement 6 times while staying conscious and aware of making your breath long and smooth. (Note: If you have knee problems, you can do this posture from a chair. From a seated position with your hands on your knees, exhale and slide your hands down your legs. Inhale as you come back up and out.)

If you have health or therapeutic issues, especially back, neck or joint issues, find a teacher or Yoga Therapist experienced in working with adaptation for health conditions. Ask the prospective teacher about the type and level of training and years of teaching experience. Let your teacher know about any health issues that you have in advance.

You can find yoga teachers in Aging and Disability Resource Centers, yoga studios, gyms, YMCAs, YWCAs, universities and technical colleges, school recreation programs, physical therapy centers, chiropractic offices and more.

If you want to practice at home, one DVD that I can highly recommend is Viniyoga Therapy for Low Back, Sacrum and Hips by Gary Kraftsow. It is an excellent DVD for beginners and a superb choice for back health.

Breathe, move and enjoy optimal health from your yoga practice!


Mercy Home Health Care brings skilled and compassionate health care services to you. Our main goal is to help you maintain your health at the best level possible. We offer several levels of service:• Skilled Medical Assistance — If you are

recovering from major surgery, Mercy Home Health Care staff will visit and help with medications, wound care, physical and occupational therapy, and other skilled services. • Personal Care Assistance — Our personal care

aides are here to help you with important everyday tasks like bathing, washing your hair and getting dressed.• Homemaker Companions — Do you need help

with errands, cooking, small chores, cleaning or other household tasks? Consider our Homemaker Companion Service.• Telemonitoring Service — Telemonitoring

manages your health information seven days a week in the comfort of your home. It also encourages you to practice preventive and proactive self-care. Telemonitoring is cost effective, provides early detection of health problems and offers a sense of security.• Private Home Care — Private home care is

available when you need special care to live safely and comfortably at home regardless of your age or disability. This is a self-pay service. • Journey Program — Sometimes, despite

everyone’s best efforts, your chronic illness will progress and cause severe symptoms like pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue and nausea. Our Journey Program staff helps comfort you by managing your various symptoms. They even offer you at-home chemotherapy and pain management treatments. Our nurses are cross-trained in hospice care, so if your condition worsens, they can gently guide you toward any hospice care setting, including your home.

Our service area spans five counties including Rock, Walworth, Green, and southern Dane and Jefferson.

For more information about Mercy Home Health Care or Mercy Hospice Care, please call (608) 755-6920 or (800) 369-2201.

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Homework Required for Peace of Mind!Submitted by Pam Hatfield, BrightStar

This bit of information is aimed at those people who for health and/or safety reasons, need some

assistance, and can be heard telling friends and family, “The only way I’m leaving my home is feet first!” Fortunately there are resources out there that can help make this wish come true. But due diligence comes first, or as most people know it—homework!

You don’t hire the first painter you come across to paint the inside of your home, and likewise you should not sign up with the first home care agency you come across in the phone book or on the internet. Before you start your research however, consider the scope of your, or your loved one’s care. Talking specifics with home care agencies will help you determine the skill level of the caregivers they employ, and in turn, your comfort level with a particular home care agency in meeting your care needs. Caregiver hiring practices including background checks, and the caregiver match process, should be discussed as the foundation upon which quality home care services is built. Guaranteed compatibility is a must!

What is the scope of services that the home care agency can provide? Do they specialize in primarily companionship and supportive homecare such as housekeeping and meal preparation, or are their caregivers certified and therefore able to provide care at a higher skill level such as assistance with physical therapy exercises, personal cares, catheter care and medication reminders?

Ask about flexibility and availability of services. Is the answer “yes,” 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or is there less availability for weekend and overnight care for example? Does a member of the local home care team answer the phone 24/7 to allow for timely reporting of changes in client care needs and schedule adjustment requests?

Find out if the home care agency is bonded and insured. The last thing you need to worry about is the liability should there be a caregiver accident during the course of providing care in your home.

In summary, doing research at a minimum in the areas listed above, helps make the process of obtaining

quality home care easier and will go a long way toward eliminating any unwelcome surprises.

The reward for doing your homework is Peace of Mind!

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800.369.2201901 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville

MercyHospiceCare.org MercyHomeHealthCare.org

You may be growing older, but maintaining an independentlifestyle in the comfort of yourown home is something to bedesired. We are here to help youdo just that. With a variety of at-home health care services,we’ll help you stay in your homeand enjoy a good quality of lifefor as long as possible.

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Edgerton HospitalThe new Edgerton Hospital is a green

built, 18 bed Critical Access Hospital, and is located on the outskirts of Edgerton near Interstate 90 and Hwy. 59. Patients will find a full continuum of care with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The caring team at Edgerton Hospital is ready to treat you the way you deserve to be treated … like family! Edgerton Hospital is an affiliate of SSM Health Care of Wisconsin.

Services:Acute care, surgery, physical therapy,

occupational therapy, speech therapy, cardiac services, wound care, infusion services, swing bed (inpatient rehab), sleep studies, diagnostic, emergency and urgent care, and pulmonary care

In order to keep health care local, we’ve added new surgeons to allow for procedures to be completed close to home, which also makes for an easier recovery. Dr. David

Rainiero has joined our team as a full-time general surgeon and Dr. John Rogerson provides orthopedic services. In June 2013, we’ll be welcoming pulmonologist Dr. Mouhammed Rihawi.

It’s important to know your options when it comes to your health care. Did you know that after a surgery or illness, you may qualify for Edgerton Hospital’s inpatient rehab program? This program allows you to recover in a hospital setting, rather than a nursing home. And, our goal is always to help you regain your strength and return home. Be your own advocate, and ask your primary care physician what options are available locally. You may be surprised to learn

of the quality care that you can receive right here in Edgerton!

“Caring for the individual as a whole is the right thing to do. At Edgerton Hospital, we’ll treat your body, mind and soul. We’ll give you the tools necessary to live a healthy lifestyle, long after you leave us.”

~ Jim Pernau, CEO

Get to know...


MercyCareMedicare.com

MercyCare Advantage is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. You mustcontinue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.

H4123_RockCountySRG_2013 CMS Accepted

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To learn more about MercyCare’s Medicare Advantage2013 plans’ lower rates and new benefits, to enroll, or for information about our free seminars, call MercyCare daily, 8 am-8 pm, (855) 517-6280 or (800) 947-3529 TTY/TDD.

Tracy [email protected]

Emilie [email protected]

Sherrie [email protected]

MercyCare Sales Representatives


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Our inpatient rehab program, often called “Swing Bed,” is unique to small, rural hospitals and offers a variety of benefits.

Here you’ll find:• 24 hour registered nurses on staff• 24 hour emergency department with physician onsite• Physical, occupational and speech therapy• Specialized wound care with certified wound care nurse• IV therapy• In-house pharmacy• Registered dietitian• Personalized activity program• Patient and family services• Discharge planning

For more information, call Patient & Family Services at 608-884-1490

11101 N. Sherman Road, Edgerton, WI • 608.884.3441 • 800.884.3441 • www.edgertonhospital.com

0709

Need More Time to Heal?

Try Edgerton Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Program

Sundance, our certified therapy dog, is a fun part of the rehabilitation process at Edgerton Hospital!


Reuniting with HomeBy Tammy Pence, Community Relations Director for Harbor House Memory Care

Home is where the heart is, and for those who have lived in the same place for any length of

time, you fast become attached to more than the bricks and mortar that hold up its walls. It is the feeling of safety and security that a home can instill that causes us concern when looking at the possibility of changing living settings for those we care for.

Many times as caregivers we have the undaunting task of making the decision to move someone from their home to a place that is more suitable for their care needs. This decision is not an easy one and is usually made due to medical or safety issues, such as if there was a fire, Mom wouldn’t be able to vacate the house on her own or call 911. Caregivers also make this decision due to stress in their own personal life, or to

enhance the quality of life for their loved one.

This decision and the feeling it invokes in both the caregiver and the care receiver can cause a lot of stress and discomfort. However, it is important that caregivers realize that these feelings are very natural and should be allowed to be explored rather than pushed aside. For instance if your loved one is lamenting that “this place doesn’t feel like

home,” ask them if there are specific things that they miss about home. You may find that you can make adaptations to your surroundings to make them feel more comfortable.

It takes time for people to feel comfortable in new surroundings, especially for those with memory loss issues. Many times, caregivers will become frustrated or concerned that their loved one “is always wanting to go home.” In this instance, many times the “home” they are referring to is not the home they just left, but a home from far back in their life. In many instances it may be their childhood home, where they were safely

surrounded by their parents and siblings. In this case, a better approach would be to ask them

questions or show them pictures of their home. Enter into their world or reality and help them tap into those memories. Bring those memories to life as if they were today.

July and August seem to be months filled with family activities, Fourth of July picnics and reunions of every sort. If you can take your loved one to parts of these activities and help them reconnect with their “home.” If this is not possible, talk with your fellow family members and ask them to share stories or pictures of what your loved one’s homes looked like, floor plans, special traditions or memories that were made in the home.

Remember it isn’t so much the place, but the feelings of love and security that home invokes that are important. Often we forget that home really is where the heart is, and your heart goes with you every where.

Tammy Pence is the Director of Community Relations for Azura Memory Care of Janesville, Clinton, Monroe and Beloit. Azura Memory Care offers a unique model of memory care services and programs for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Azura believes in the importance of transforming the culture of care through transformational programming and educational outreach. If you would like to learn more about these FREE educational programs for caregivers, professionals and the community, please contact Tammy at 608-295-2764 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Many times, caregivers will become frustrated or concerned that their loved one “is always wanting to go home.” In this instance, many times the “home” they are referring to is not the home they just left, but a home from far back in their life.


At St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital we’re very proud of how modern and elegant our facility looks on the outside. But it’s every bit as modern and elegant on the inside, incorporating the latest in equipment and healthcare industry best practices. And because we always have our finger on the pulse of what’s new, we’re constantlyevolving and improving what we do, all in the interest of helping our patientsheal — faster, better and more comfortably.

Tell us what you expect from your hospital.

We’re listening.

“A hospital should beup to date and modern.”

W W W . S T M A R Y S J A N E S V I L L E . C O M

What doyou expectfrom yourhospital?

Jean & Stuart Thornland

A Member of SSM Health Care

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SMJH Helping Hands Ad.pdf 1 3/27/13 11:02 AM

helping hands care guide --2013

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