FALL 2010

PERSPECTIVES ON SENIOR LIVINGA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MONTANA STANDARD

LET US HELP CONNECT YOU TO SERVICES FOR ELDERLY IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Southwest Montana Aging Services represents Senior Programs in Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell and Silver Bow Counties. We provide

Information and Assistance to help elderly people and their families access services such as Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Health Screening and Promotion, Caregiver, Outreach, Transportation and Senior Center Activities. Our agency also provides assistance with Medicare, Medicaid and Health Insurance Issues, as well as Ombudsman services for residents in Assisted Living or Nursing Homes, commodities for low income seniors and coordination of the Senior Companion Program. Give us a call and we will work to connect you or a loved one with services in your community.

M

Please call782-5555 or toll free 1-800-551-3191to schedulean appointment.

We provide a comfortable, caring, home-like setting, that is designed for the special needs of aging Seniors.

Bring this ad in for one free day of adult day care. *limit one per day care resident.

Transitions wing opens at Marquis Vintage Suites

BY PAULA J. MCGARVEYfor The Montana Standard

S tatistics from the Alzheimer’sAssociation show that more than21,000 Montanans have been

diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as of2010. Even more shocking, is thatupward of 29,000 people in Montana arepredicted to be diagnosed withAlzheimer’s disease by the year 2025.The rise in the incidence of this devastating disease, which robs peopleof both their memories and physicalabilities, has made the demand forassisted living and specialized secureddementia-care units in the state farexceed the current supply. MarquisVintage Suites in Butte was no exception.

With a waiting list for the“Expressions” secured dementia-care

unit, staff at Vintage Suites facility cameup with a plan to accommodate morepatients with dementia, and their specific needs. The new wing is called“Transitions.”

“Transitions is an extension of theExpressions Alzheimer’s dementia careunit,” said Paula Carriger, marketingdirector.

Residents eligible for housing in thenew wing have a diagnosis of dementia,with added complications limiting theirphysical mobility. Carriger said thatmost are confined to wheelchairs.

“What we are doing is creating asmaller home environment for theseresidents with dedicated staffing,” shesaid.

In order to accommodate the new,specialized dementia care wing, Carriger

2 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

PAULA J. MCGARVEY / FOR THE MONTANA STANDARD

AVA HICKMAN, a Certified Nursing Assistant at the new Transitions wing at the MarquisVintage Suites in Butte, visits recently with a resident in the common area at the facility.The new wing opened in mid-September and is designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia who have additional physical limitations.

Local assisted-living facility adapts to meet needs of patients with dementia

See TRANSITIONS, Page 3

We offer quality In-Home Care including:

• Skilled Nursing

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Social Services

Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance may coverLicensed & Certified

For more information call

Deb Boyle, RN494-0039

3212 Busch Ave. • Butte

Beta Factor Nursing

Is the Best Place to Be.

•Sleep Therapy•CPAP/BIPAP Equipment and • Supplies

We Bill Medicare, Medicaid, &

Private Insurance

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED35 S. Main • Butte, Montana 59701 • 406-782-6708

• Respiratory Therapy •NEB Compressors• Ultrasonic NEBS• Respiratory Therapist• Home Assessments• 02 Concentrators• Light Weight Portables• Conserving Devices• Billi Blanket•

Transitions ...Continued from Page 2

said that Vintage Suites remodeled a resident apartment already on the wing andconverted it to a common area. The areaincludes a TV room, kitchenette and diningarea that is family friendly. The facility alsohired three new certified nursing assistantsto provide the residents in the wing with theextra care they need. “Transitions” beganaccepting people to the wing in mid-September.

Carriger said that the “Expressions”secured-care wing only has room for 17 residents. The new “Transitions” winghas additional space for six and would alsoallow Vintage Suites to accommodate current residents in the assisted-living portion of the facility who otherwise wouldbe sent to nursing homes or long-term carefacilities. An increased staff-to-patientratio in the “Transitions” wing ensures thateach resident achieves and maintains the maximum level of independence possible.

“We’re allowing them to live (more)independently as the disease progresses. Wewant them to age in place,” she said.

Freelance writer Paula J. McGarvey may bereached at 782-6510 or via e-mail atpauljmc@bresnan.net.

November events inButte for Alzheimer’sAwareness Month

The Belmont Senior Citizen Center’sCaregiver Support Group is collaborating withthe Marquis Vintage Suites’ Memory KeepersSupport Group to host a free memory screening on Monday, Nov. 8. The screeningwill take place at the Belmont Center, 615 E. Mercury St. and run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic will include mini-mentalassessments for dementia and depressionscreening done by case managers from theBelmont Center, Marquis Vintage Suites andthe Butte Community Health Center.

The groups are also sponsoring a candlelight vigil at Marquis Vintage Suites onTuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Guest speakersinclude the Rev.Tom Haffey and Dr. ShawnaYates from the Butte Community HealthCenter. Family members of those diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s disease will also share aboutthe affects of the disease on caregivers.

For more information, call the BelmontCenter at 723-7773 or Marquis Vintage Suitesat 494-0083.

THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 3

PAULA J. MCGARVEY / FOR THE MONTANA STANDARD

AN UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT watches a rerun of the TV series “Bonanza” inthe common area of the Transitions wing. Residents of the wing are also transported to the activities room to participate in regularly scheduled activities atthe facility.

YOU ALWAYS PLANNED THE FUTURE TOGETHER.

DON’T STOP NOW.

723-3221 • 1800 Florence Ave • Butte

You know each other so well you feel you’re part of each other (and you are). But, with an event as important as your funeral, it’s still an excellent idea to

discuss your choices, plan ahead, and document your wishes for others. Once you prearrange, there’s never any question about what you

would have wanted.... it’s understood.

Providing Excellent

Out-Patient Services to

Southwest Montana’s Seniors

434 S. Clark,Butte, MT

406.496.3550

4 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

More than skin deep: Preventing unseen signs of agingFrom wrinkle cream to hair dye and

everything in between, some people goto great lengths to disguise the signs ofaging. However, despite the wisdom thatcomes with getting older, we often over-look the less visible signs of age, likeeveryday activities becoming more diffi-cult, which can have a more significantimpact our lives than a few gray hairs.

Muscle loss can occur as young as age40, causing weakness or lack of energythat may force people to give up or cutback on activities they once enjoyed —from golfing to gardening to keeping upwith their children or grandchildren. Butthe good news, according to musclehealth experts, is that muscle loss cannot only be prevented but even reversed,allowing people to stay active andvibrant.

“Getting older is a fact of life, so weshould take action now to protect ourmuscles so we can stay healthy as weage,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon specializing insports medicine for adults over age 40.“Strong muscles help people continuedoing the things they love. Taking steps

today to protect and strengthen ourmuscles can keep us active and independent, leading to a greater qualityof life down the road.”

Dr. Wright offers her expert tips onhow to take charge of your musclehealth:

■ Get a move on: Even if you’re completely new to exercising, dailyactivity is important and there’s no better time to get active than right now.Start out with the basics, like takingdaily walks around your neighborhood.Once that becomes a habit, switch upyour routine with other light activities.Daily exercise can also reduce the risksfor diabetes, breast cancer, heart conditions and even depression.

■ Take the muscle test: Test yourselfand see just how strong you are. Thereare many simple, at-home tests you cando to measure the strength of your muscles. For instance, do as manypushups as possible until exhaustion totest your upper body strength. For average 40-somethings, men should beable to complete 21 to 28 pushups andwomen should complete 18 to

24 modified pushups.■ Feed your muscles: Regular activity

is only one ingredient in a recipe for better muscle health. Make sure you’reeating a balanced diet that includes protein, fiber and brightly colored fruitsand vegetables. And there’s somethingnew to help rebuild muscle strength:new Ensure (R) Muscle Health, specially

designed to help rebuild muscle andstrength naturally lost over time. It has13 grams of protein and Revigor (TM) (asource of HMB), a naturally occurringamino acid metabolite that comes fromprotein. Revigor can help protect musclecells, preserve muscle tissue and promote muscle growth so you can keepdoing the things you love.

■ Use it or lose it: The old adage istrue. Muscles can deteriorate with timeif you don’t use them regularly, leavingyou feeling weak. But there is goodnews: Studies show that muscle atrophyfrom inactivity is reversible no matteryour age, so the more you use your muscles, the stronger they’ll be.

While the aging process can’t bestopped, muscle loss can be prevented oreven reversed with exercise and propernutrition. Everyone, from weekendwalkers to after-work athletes, can takesimple steps now to build and maintainstrong, healthy muscles and continuedoing the activities they enjoy for yearsto come. For more information, visitwwwwww..eennssuurree..ccoomm.

— ARAcontent

Patience. Care. Knowledge.

DRISCOLL DRUG327 S. Excelsior • 723-3308

private consultation area • personalized service • medical suppliesvitamins • herbs and supplements • largest selection • sundries

www.driscolldrug.com

Some things have enduring value, like quality service.Convenient and easy-to-find, located near St. James Hospital. Driscoll Drugis the only local pharmacy in Butte and has served the Butte community

for many generations, and many more to come!Look for upcoming seminars on a variety of topics

including pain management, diabetes and much more.

We are dedicated to the needs of

Montana’s Senior

Community.

435 S. Crystal, Suite 400 Butte, MT • 496-3400

Anaconda • 563-2727

Deer Lodge • 846-9586

THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 5

When it comes to talking with your doctor, don’t be shy

With 25 years experience in healthcare, as a nurse and now certified physician assistant, Patti Emfingeradmits that she used to feel a little hesitant about talking with her doctorbeyond exchanging pleasantries andbasic information.

Now an assistant professor in theCollege of Health Professions at SouthUniversity’s Savannah, Ga., campus,Emfinger worked previously in an inter-nal medicine/internist setting. “A lot ofmy patient interaction has been withpeople over age 65,” she says. “And theywere raised to have a great deal ofrespect for medical professionals.”

She says that people are reluctant totalk openly when they get into the doctor’soffice. “They worry that questioning thephysician or the physician assistant sug-gests a lack of confidence in the healthcare professional’s competence. Andmany people are embarrassed to talkabout personal medical issues,” she says.

Emfinger acknowledges that some

medical practitioners intimidatepatients, usually unintentionally. “Sometake the approach ‘I’m the provider, sowhat I say goes.’”

But advances in diagnosis and treat-ment, along with changes in the healthcare delivery system, are changing the waypatients and health care professionalsinteract one-on-one, according toEmfinger. “In health care today, there’san expectation that patients will beinvolved in making decisions about theirown health care. With so many optionsavailable now, we appreciate that ourpatients want to know the reasonsbehind what we’re recommending andprescribing.”

So what should patients do? “First ofall, you absolutely have to tell the doctoror physician assistant all your concerns.Even if you feel embarrassed to talkabout certain parts of your body, goahead and talk. After all, we’ve seen andheard it all — and we are people, too.”

— ARAcontent

DID YOU KNOW?Help is available this winter heating season.The low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may be able to help with your winter heating bills. LIEAP-qualified applicants receive a valuable discount on NorthWestern Energy natural gas and electric bills. You also may be eligible for our free weatherization program.

Don’t delay - sign-ups begin in October. To apply for assistance this heating season, call your local Human Resource Council or NorthWestern Energy at (888) 467-2669. Qualifications apply.

213 N. Montana St. • (406) 723-3239 • 'We Care'

Duggan Dolan MORTUARY

With that customer service in mind, we will be moving to a larger facility at 1805 Meadowlark Lane during the fall of 2010.

This facility will provide ample parking, larger reception rooms and easier access for our customers.

Thank you, Butte, for your continued support!

Proudly Serving Butte& Southwest Montana

Since 1917!Duggan Dolan Mortuary takes great pride in being a family owned & operated business that provides the very best in customer service & care during a very diffi cult time.

NEW LOCATION

6 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

Japanese researchers find linkbetween diabetes, Alzheimer’s

TOKYO — A team of KyushuUniversity researchers has discoveredthat people at risk of diabetes have atendency to develop pigmented spots onthe brain, which are characteristic ofAlzheimer’s disease.

The team, led by neuropathologistProf. Toru Iwaki, found that peoplewhose blood glucose levels tend toremain high after meals also tend todevelop the lesions, which are typicallyfound in the elderly.

The finding suggests people may beable to prevent themselves from developing Alzheimer’s disease by working to prevent diabetes throughexercise and careful eating habits.

The team analyzed data provided by a

long-term study on residents inHisayamamachi, Fukuoka Prefecture. Itexamined the relationship between dia-betes risk factors and the brain lesions in135 men and women whose average agewas 79.5, who were examined in 1988and died between 1998 and 2003.

Brain lesions were found in 88 ofthose examined. Patients who experienced elevated blood glucose levels after meals were 1.7 times morelikely to develop the spots, according tothe findings. Examinees genetically predisposed to high blood sugar levelswere 38 times more likely to develop thebrain spotting than those not predisposed.

— The Yomiuri Shimbun

THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 ■ 7

CO

ZY C

OM

FOR

TABLE AND CONVENIENT

CO

ZY, C

OM

FOR

TABLE AND CONVENIENT

Butte – 800 S. Wyoming • 782-4231 / Deer Lodge – 417 Main • 846-3311OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-281-9829 • www.steelesfurniture.com

ADJUSTABLE BED BASE

fromfrom$$899899 GREAT SELECTION OF

TEMPURPEDIC MATTRESSES

3251 Nettie Street • Butte • 406-723-3225

Gus Trost, PT; Sammie McLean, Kristen Daughtery, ST; Michelle Bradley, OT; Tori Bushman, PT; Rick Jensen, PT

HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER

066 723 3225066 723 3225

We have created a serene and supportive environment designed to make you feel at home - for short or long-term care. Highly skilled professionals provide excellent rehabilitation care as well as ongoing skilled nursing care.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll be embraced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We have recruited a team of therapists and nurses that are excellent. Our goal is to care for you as if you are a member of our own family. Our dedication is unwavering and unlimited. We are deeply committed to mak-ing a difference, one person at a time. Together we work to make your stay a positive, healing ex-perience. Come and fi nd out the difference commitment makes.

COPPER RIDGE REHAB SERVICESCare that makes a difference.

Having Surgery? Need Therapy?Call Or Stop By 3251 Nettie • 723-3225

We welcome you to come and tour our facility and meet our rehab team before your surgery.

OUR GOAL is your peace of mind, knowing that you will be well cared for during your rehab time,

reaching YOUR GOAL to return home - happy and healthy - Ready to get back to "Living".

You can take charge of your cholesterolBY AMANDA LILLY

of McClatchy-Tribune

It seems there is always at least onecelebration with foods that threaten ourhealthy hearts and trim tummies. But withbarbeques, birthday parties and more onour weekly calendars, it can be extra toughfor some of us to watch our cholesteroland stick to a heart-healthy diets.

Although cholesterol typically has abad reputation for clogging arteries, it alsoperforms important bodily functions likebuilding cell membranes and contributingto the formation of certain hormones,vitamin D and bile acids. In other words,too much cholesterol increases the risk forheart disease, while too little can actuallydo the same.

“Cholesterol won’t just dissolve in theblood,” explains Mateo Dayo, a cardiotho-racic surgeon. That is why it is importantto maintain a balance between the twotypes of cholesterol: HDL (the ‘good’) andLDL (the ‘bad’).

LDL, a low-density lipoprotein, givescholesterol its poor name because it accu-mulates on the walls of blood vessels whenthere is too much of it circulating in thebloodstream. HDL, on the other hand, helpsprevent this by acting as a high-density

lipoprotein that transports cholesterol,thus counteracting a build-up.

With animal-products posing as themain culprits for contributing to “bad”cholesterol, that is why it is so importantto be aware of how much meat, butter andcheese you eat. These foods are high insaturated fat, which increase levels ofLDL. Here are some tips on how to stillenjoy foods without giving up everything:

■ Reduce the amount of meat you con-sume per meal

■ Opt for seafood at least twice a week■ Cook fresh vegetables, but avoid the

butter and the salt■ Eat only egg whites, instead of the

entire egg■ Increase the amount of whole grains

and fiber in your diet, as these foods helpreduce cholesterol levels

Although healthy cholesterol cansometimes be affected by age, family history, and gender, a few simple changescan also help lower your bad cholesterol:

■ Don’t smoke■ Exercise regularly■ Eat healthy by limiting your daily intake

of fast to less than 30 percent each of yourtotal calories each day

■ Have your cholesterol tested regularlyso you can find the right treatment plan.

See our Columbia Gardens Therapy Enrichment AreaSee our Columbia Gardens Therapy Enrichment Area

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 406-723-6556

2400 Continental Drive • Butte, MT 59701www.sunbridgehealthcare.com

Butte CareButte Care and Rehabilitation Center and Rehabilitation Center

Rated by the experts who monitor the care

and services provided to our seniors, as Butte's only Five Star rated long-term care

and rehabilitation center. When the quality of care matters, select the best.

Excellent State Survey History Montana Nursing Home Comparewww.Medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp

• Inpatient/Outpatient Therapy Services

• Stroke and Amputee Rehabilitation

• 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care

• Post Operative Care

• Swallowing Rehabilitation

• Hospice and Short Stay Services

• Medicare, Medicaid & VA Certified

Boomers putting experienceto good use as entrepreneurs

A new career is often replacing thechoice of retirement for many babyboomers, who have plenty of experienceand resources to make entrepreneurshipvery successful.

With baby boomers living healthier andlonger lives, they are no longer followingtraditional retirement paths and insteadare seeking second and third careers.There’s been a shift away from lifetimejobs with long-term employment — witha noticeable drop among people ages 35 to64 years old during the past 50 years,according to the 2009 Sherpa ExecutiveCoaching Study.

One of the most popular endeavors forthose in this age bracket is that of a professional business or life coach.Boomers are well suited to this professionalcalling based on their vast business andlife experience. Coaching is the practice offocusing existing talents and channelingthem to create true significance andempowerment to change in the lives ofothers.

Even before the entrepreneurialboomers took to the profession, thecoaching industry has seen tremendousgrowth, with revenues topping $1 billionin 2008. The International CoachFederation, because of the demand forcoaches, has seen an explosion in itsmembership since its creation in 1995.Between 25 to 40 percent of Fortune 500companies use executive coaches, asreported in a recent survey by The HayGroup, an International Human Resourcesconsultancy.

“Baby boomers comprise the largestsegment of our student and graduatebase,” comments D. Luke Lorio, presidentof iPEC’s coach training division. “Thebaby boom generation brings with it theexperience, skills, contacts, drive andother resources to pursue entrepreneurialopportunities such as coaching. Theyreached a point in their careers where theywant to capitalize on their experience andoften give back to others. Coaching hasprovided them an outlet to help otherswhile also earning substantial incomes.”

On average, experienced life coachesare earning an average of $77,000 per year,and experienced corporate/businesscoaches are earning an average of$134,800 per year, according to the study.

Jim Kelly, president of Real LeadersLead Executive Coaching(RReeaallLLeeaaddeerrssLLeeaadd..ccoomm), is a baby boomersuccess story. The 63-year-old certified

professional coach was attracted tocoaching because it was a career that wastruly aligned with his values of giving backand empowering others to live theirdreams.

“My 35 years of real world leadershipand life experience, including a tenure asCEO of a multi-million dollar company, isthe ideal foundation for a coaching business. I went through the ups anddowns of every career and the struggles ofbuilding successful businesses. It is thatexperience that allows me to help leadersnavigate similar experiences much morequickly than if they go it alone,” says Kelly.“My coaching business is strong becauseclients are investing in the one thing theyknow will produce a return: themselves.”

Here are six ways to know if a career incoaching is for you:

■ People usually come to you foradvice and you have a positive impact onthem.

■ You value personal growth and seek acareer that will utilize your strengths.

■ You see great potential in people andare frustrated when they don’t exercisethat potential.

■ You emphasize strong relationshipsand a balanced life with many interests,including vitality in health and career.

■ You’re not afraid of hard work to create more personal and financial freedom.

■ You know you have a gift — and youwant to share it to help yourself and otherslive a more powerful and fulfilling life.

To find out more about careers incoaching, go to wwwwww..iiPPEECCccooaacchhiinngg..ccoomm.

— ARAcontent

8 ■ THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010