San Antonio Senior Living

Former boxer now caring for seniors at Morningside Meadows

2010-11-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Often seen throughout the halls of Morningside Manor with tools in hand and a big smile on his face, Ricky Reese has an interesting past that led him from a boxing ring in California to the maintenance department at Morningside Meadows. Like many in their youth, Ricky had dreams of fame and recognition. And he was able to achieve that dream in the sport of boxing. With determination and confidence, Ricky proved to himself and to others that a little hope can go a long way.

Ricky Reese was born in Bordeaux, France on June 9, 1957, while his father, Willie Reese, Sr., was serving in the United States Army. Ricky moved to the U.S. as an infant and settled in his mother’s hometown of Lawton, Oklahoma. In 1962, Ricky’s father and mother, Martha, relocated the close-knit family to Los Angeles, California in the hopes of giving his seven children a better opportunity in life.

Ricky developed an interest in boxing at a very young age. Growing up, he fondly remembers watching boxing matches on television with his father. When he was just 13 years old, he announced that he wanted to be a boxer and asked his father to buy him a pair of boxing gloves. His father did, and under his supervision, Ricky and his older brother, Andre, began sparring two to three hours every day after school. At the age of 14, Ricky started training with his father at the Hoover Street Gym for three hours every day, six days a week.

He graduated from Freemont High School in 1975 and attended college at Los Angeles City College, where he majored in gymnastics. He continued to train with his father, who also became his manager, and also enlisted the help of veteran trainer Cannonball Green, a middleweight fighter who was well-known in the 1930s.

“I learned that, by me training him, I’d have to approach him differently than I do at home,” said Willie Reese. “I’m the trainer here in the gym. At home, I’m the father. He’s the boss here because he’s got to be the boss in that ring.”

And he did become the boss in the ring, winning several titles including the 1973 Northeastern Police Championship and the Northeastern & Central Championships and was named the 1974 City Diamond Belt Champ, the 1975 Southern California YMCA Champ, the 1976 Southern California Golden Glove Champ and the Southern California SPA-AAU Champ.

Ricky also earned the distinction of the U.S. Western Regional Olympic Trials Champ. But his Olympic dreams were dashed by a one-point loss in the 1976 Olympic- qualifying match.

But, that didn’t stop Ricky from continuing on with a phenomenal career. In his words, “I have made it this far, and I will go the rest of the way.” And he did. Ricky gained the respect of many competitors and others in the boxing world with only three losses in 24 bouts and a total of five knockouts.

Ricky would later tell reporters, “I like the feeling of individual responsibility. When I go out there and I’m by myself, I know it. I’ve got helpers and trainers, but when I’m in the ring, I’m by myself and I’ve got to do it myself.”

One of his most notable wins was against Thomas Payne, one of history’s tallest heavyweight champions, and a professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks. With a crowd of more than 4,300 people in attendance at the Forum in Englewood, Ricky floored the 7-foot-2-inch tall giant in nine seconds. Payne did manage to get up but was quickly sent flying across the ring a second time. A referee stopped the fight at two minutes, nine seconds.

“Usually my style was more like Ali’s,” said Ricky. “I danced, I moved. This particular time I didn’t do that. As soon as that bell rung, I went at him.”

Another notable fight in Ricky’s career was a three- round split decision against Richard Sloss, a wrestler and boxer, in the Southern California finals at Long Beach City College. The fight provided a new kind of challenge – he had never gone against a wrestler before. Ricky drew first blood and wore Sloss down with regularity and control of his punches. By the final round, he sent Sloss spinning with a right hook.

Throughout his career, Ricky’s idol was always Muhammad Ali. Ricky sought to mirror a fighting style similar to Ali’s unorthodox “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” style.

“Ali motivates me,” said Ricky. “I incorporate some of his moves into my style and, like Ali, I am a boxer, not a slugger. My strategy is to hit and not get hit. I make the opponent come after me and that usually frustrates him.”

Ricky did get the opportunity to meet his idol, Muhammad Ali, on two occasions, but never got the chance to formally speak to him.

He was also a fan of many other noted boxers including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He had the opportunity to train alongside known fighters Randy Tex Cobbs, Ken Norton and Andy Price.

His career highlights also include film industry credits as an extra in the boxing films “Rocky and “Let’s Do It Again.” He recalls meeting both Sylvester Stallone and Bill Cosby while filming. “Bill Cosby was such a nice, down-to-earth guy,” said Ricky. “He was so much fun to be around.”

“I really enjoyed the whole movie experience,” he continued. “It’s something that I may consider doing again at some point in my life.”

Ricky’s boxing career ended in 1985 due to an unfortunate injury to his left eye. During a fight, Ricky was poked in the eye by his competitor and was unable to finish the match. His doctor warned that if he continued boxing, there was a good chance he could lose sight in his left eye. Even though his career was on the rise, he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his health or family, so he chose to hang up his boxing gloves.

He dabbled in real estate for a while and has used his creative mind to come up with several inventions that he is awaiting patents on.

Ricky married his wife, Deborah, in 1980 and they now have five children. Looking for a slower pace of life than Los Angeles had to offer, Ricky and his family moved to San Antonio in 1994. He began his career with Morningside in the maintenance department nearly three years ago.

Ricky strongly believes in the Morningside mission of “caring for those who cared for us.”

“I am so appreciative of all my elders, those who raised me,” said Ricky. “This job allows me to give back to the older adults in our community and to help those who need it.”

This phenomenal story of a man who set out to achieve his dreams and managed to do so is an inspiration to all. His relentless ambition and determination lives on with the work he does for the residents here at Morningside Ministries.

Eleanor Pulliam – Stockbroker

2010-11-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

In 1958, at the age of 41, Eleanor Pulliam began a 25-year career working in the hectic and busy world of the U.S. Stock Market. She wasn’t looking for a job at the time but a friend told her of an opening in his brokerage office. She had always loved the market and followed stocks closely, so she decided to take the job.

Eleanor Pulliam, in her apartment at
Morningside at Menger Springs.

Her first job there was simply a wire operator. The stockbrokers in the office were all men. They wrote up the orders and then she put them on a wire that sent them to a central office, where the orders were executed. She quickly learned that operating the wire was not so simple. Luckily, with the help of a very supportive boss who encouraged her to stick it out, she mastered the wire and worked her way up through the ranks at the office.

The brokerage office that she worked for was merged with a larger New York house a few years later and Eleanor took on even more office duties. The companies kept merging, she worked for six different ones in all, with Eleanor stepping up in position with each one. Finally, in 1975, she decided to become a broker herself. She took and passed the licensing test and became the first female stock broker in the office.

“I even had other offices that were trying to recruit me,” she said. “Because there came a time when companies needed to hire more women and there just were not very many women stockbrokers.”

It wasn’t easy at first, though. Most of the clients were men and not all of them were comfortable with a female stockbroker. “Some of my girlfriends made their husbands do business with me, “ she said. “They were so uncomfortable with it.”

But after doing business with her, their fears were diminished. She even had one client tell her that after being in the stock market for 60 years, she was the best broker he had ever dealt with. But it was not only the men that were uncomfortable with her new position, some of the other women in the office felt she shouldn’t be treated as equal to the men.

“The men actually treated me better than the other women in the office,” she said. “The men were all helpful. They all wanted me to get my license and to do well.”

Eleanor has seen tremendous changes in the industry over the last 50 years. Of course, computers have replaced all of the manual processes. Computers were coming into the offices when she retired in 1983, but were only used to keep track of client holdings, not to buy and sell stock.

“The system was much simpler then,” said Eleanor. “We were trained to be client-oriented and to give good service. All of our business was done face-to-face. Plus, we didn’t make the money they make now!”

But pay was the one area where she always felt on equal par with the men in the office. Since all the stockbrokers worked on commissions, she had the opportunity to make just as much, or even more, than anyone in the office.

With all the changes in business models and the addition of so many different funds and with how complicated the system has become, Eleanor is thankful she retired when she did.

“I’m kind of glad I’m not in it now,” she said. “There are so many politics that go into it and there is so much more out there now. It’s a whole lot more complicated.”

She still keeps up with the market on a daily basis but when it comes to stock tips, don’t ask her for any. “I have my own portfolio that I still work with, “ said Eleanor. “But I don’t give out advice!”

Melva Brannen – Finance

2010-11-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Melva Brannen has basically had two careers in her 90 years. She spent 30 years working in the finance department for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and, for the last 30 years, she has been active in the Telephone Pioneers, a dedicated and diverse group of retired telephone company employees who volunteer throughout the community.

Melva began working for Southwestern Bell in 1952 at the age of 32. Her husband was on active duty in the military and he encouraged her to work in case anything ever happened to him. And, unfortunately, she lost her husband at a young age and felt relieved that she had a career to support herself and her daughter.

She attended IBM School and learned the key punching process. She was hired at Southwestern Bell in St. Louis, Missouri to work in the payroll department. Key punch operators were in great demand at the time, as the company was converting everything from manual processes to machines. She recalls the tedious process of manually calculating employee payroll using a calculator and an employee earnings card to figure salary, deductions and union dues for thousands of employees. Even with the stacks and stacks of IBM cards that they had to process, payroll became much easier with the key punch machines. But it was a long, hard fight to get them.

When her husband was transferred to Randolph Air Force base, she moved to the San Antonio office of Southwestern Bell and helped transition the entire finance department to San Antonio as well. Melva worked her way up through many departments at Southwestern Bell: From payroll to reporting to revenues and disbursements to the estimate department to the audit department.

Melva recalls the days when companies did not want married women working. “If you got married, you had to keep it a secret,” she said. “I have seen amazing changes in the company. Now everything is computerized. There are women out climbing the telephone poles and think nothing of it!”

She was also glad to have retired when she did. She retired as a senior audit clerk in 1983, right before the divestiture of AT&T into Southwestern Bell.

“The accounting during that time was fierce,” she said. “The breakup of AT&T was rugged for the finance department.”

Telephone Pioneer

Since 1980, she has been a member of the Telephone Pioneers, an auxiliary volunteer group that helps the less fortunate in our local community and around the world. Melva has been involved with the Pioneers’ Santa program since the beginning, dressing up as Santa Claus and visiting nursing homes, orphanages and terminally-ill children all around the globe and bringing them small gifts. She says she has been everywhere, except the Orient – Australia, New Zealand, Italy, the British Isles and the Mediterranean.

“We did so much good with the Santa program,” she said.

“I remember being on an island somewhere and the children didn’t even know who Santa Claus was. But when you see 60 of them walk into a room at the same time, everyone gets a kick out of that!”

Still an active Pioneer, Melva keeps her Santa suit ready and hopes to pull it out of the closet again at some point in the near future. She had to pass up the last Pioneer trip to South Africa because her traveling partner had recently passed away.

“It’s been really rewarding,” she said. “I’ve probably spent a fortune traveling, but it’s all worth it. It’s been the most educational project I could have done and all the travelling has kept my mind interested and sharp. It’s what keeps me young!”

Anna Wood – Deputy U.S. Marshal

2010-11-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

In a time when many working women were practicing shorthand and typing, Ms. Anna Wood, now a resident at Kaulbach Assisted Living, was transporting women to federal prison as part of her job as a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

The office of the U.S. Marshal is the oldest federal law enforcement office in the United States and is the
enforcement arm of the federal courts, assisting with court security, prisoner transport, serving arrest
warrants and seeking out fugitives.

Anna was married at the age of 17 and, shortly thereafter, her husband became ill with active tuberculosis and was sent to live in a tubercular sanatorium for one year. Since Anna could type, the Marshals office in San Antonio allowed her to take her husband’s desk job for the year until he returned. However, because of her husband’s ailing health, she decided to continue working after he returned home. She stayed on at the Marshals office and moved up through the ranks, from typing assistant, to disbursement officer, who wrote and signed all of the checks, to deputy marshal.

During her early years there, deputy marshals were hired by political appointment, but President Roosevelt changed the process to allow federal employees to take a civil service test, and if they passed, they could stay at their jobs and not have to leave after every election. This appealed to Anna, so she decided to make a career with the Marshals Service.

As a deputy marshal, Anna would post warrants and serve process. Part of her duties was to serve as a guard to women prisoners while they were transported to the federal prisons. At the time, the Western District of Texas served all of south, west and central Texas, from Austin to El Paso, and transported more prisoners than anywhere else in the country.

“I didn’t take the dangerous people, the men did that,” said Anna. “The women I transported were mostly docile and most of the things they did were pretty dumb, not dangerous.”

She recalls one trip where she accompanied a woman to a federal prison in Alderson, West Virginia. The woman had peeled apart a $20 bill, taped the two sides to $1 bills and tried to pass it off as $40. Anna’s boss made her take a relative with her and they traveled, by train, from San Antonio all the way to southern West Virginia. She had to accompany the woman at all times, for rest stops and meals.

Although she was the only woman marshal for a while, there were other women in the office, mostly working clerical jobs. But Anna says the men in the office were always very respectful toward her. “They were nice to me because I handled the money,” she said. “Although things were already beginning to improve for women at that time.”

But times were very different in the work place then. “I was the youngest person in the federal building for a while,” said Anna. “So, when they needed a picture for the newspaper after a big case, they would ask me to pose for it. And you had to wear a jacket, like a men’s suit jacket, just to get inside the federal courthouse.”

She also recalls the days of the “hunt and peck” typewriters and having to make eight carbon copies of everything. “There were no copy machines,” she said. “You had to make every one of the copies yourself. There were no modern conveniences, no office machines. Everything was done by hand. We had no air conditioners, only fans and open windows that just blew all the papers around. “

Anna retired from the Marshals Service in 1970 after 35 years. During her retirement years, she has volunteered at Morningside Manor as a Morninglory and as a Blue Bird at Methodist Hospital. She also traveled all over the world to China, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and all over Europe. She moved into The Meadows in 2004 and has now lived at Kaulbach for the past two years. She has always been an independent woman and a generous person who likes to have fun.

“I’ve had a fun life,” she said. “Live, laugh and love. That’s my motto.”

Caregiving and Marriage Stress

2010-10-06T08:16:00.001-07:00

Being a caregiver for an elderly family member may put a strain on your marriage. Your life and daily routines have changed dramatically. Caring for a family member takes energy. When your energy is depleted, it can take a toll on your marriage. Time you normally would have spent with your spouse may be going to caregiving. Date nights may not be an option.

During stressful times, give your spouse the benefit of the doubt. Try not to take harsh comments as seriously as you normally would. When people are under significant stress, they may lash out at others, even the people they love the most.

If you are not the primary caregiver, do tasks that will take some of the burden off your spouse. Even unloading the dishwasher can mean a great deal to your partner.

Caregiving is stressful. If you and your spouse are feeling extra tension toward each other, that will increase the stress level in your home. Try to break the cycle of hostility and blame. If you fall into a pattern of blaming your partner or focusing on what they are not doing to help, they will likely respond the same way to you. If you can notice the good things about your relationship and offer each other a soft shoulder to lean on, the stress level in your home may decrease.

Where Will You Fall?

2010-09-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about falling in your home? I have never fallen in my home and the last fall that did occur happened when my young daughter was running in our home. Regretfully, she broke her toe. Thankfully, that happened only once. After young children grow up, falls are rarely if ever thought of again.

Recently, I noticed that my 70 year old mother sometimes struggles to get up after sitting for long periods of time. I have also noticed that sometimes her balance is compromised when carrying heavy objects. With this in mind, I have started to concern myself once again with falls and the dangers and consequences of a fall.

There are many causes for falls in older adults as stated in “Preventing Falls in the Elderly” by K.R. Tremblay, Jr. and C.E. Barber. Some common causes include osteoporosis, weakened muscles, loss of eyesight, medications, and hazards in the home. Falls can cause broken or fractured bones. There are varying degrees and severity of falls as well.

Cataracts and glaucoma alter older people's depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare. These limitations can hinder an individual’s ability to safely negotiate their environment, whether it is in their own home or in a shopping mall.

Sedatives, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic drugs can contribute to falls by reducing mental alertness, worsening balance and gait, and causing drops in systolic blood pressure upon rising to a standing position. Additionally, people taking multiple medications are at greater risk of falling.

At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. The most common hazard for falls is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors include poor lighting, loose rugs, lack of grab bars or poorly located/mounted grab bars, and unsteady furniture.

To learn more about falls and how to avoid falls, watch the free online fall prevention videos provided by mmLearn at Morningside Ministries.

Link: http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=9d6fcf6611f14b6d9f095328afd400fb1d

Centenarians Offer Long-Life Secrets

2010-09-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today is Centenarians' Day. Centenarians' Day is a day to recognize and pay our respect to those who have reached the iconic status of a century-worth of life. According to USAToday, in 2005, there were 71,000 Americans 100 years or older. The U.S. Census Bureau expects that by the end of this year there will be 114,000 Centenarians and growing to 241,000 by 2020. Of those 114,000, we have the pleasure of having 15 living here with us at Morningside Ministries! We spoke to three of our Centenarians at Morningside Ministries and they had this to say about the "secret" to living to 100 years old:

Angelina Spencer will turn 102 on October 2nd

Angela Dambrosia was born August 2, 1910 and lives at Morningside Manor. Ms. Dambrosia was never married but loved her line of work very much. She worked with a sewing machine all her life and enjoyed many kinds of music but truly adored classical. Angela’s centenarian “secret” comes from her love for dancing.

Marguerite Lewis, who will turn 100 on November 28, 1910, lives at Kaulbach Assisted Living. She was married for 70 years before her husband passed away a few years ago. The couple loved to travel, visiting every state in the US. She recollects her marriage as being a wonderful and happy experience. Ms. Lewis’ “secret” is to thank God every day for her health and finding peace in her prayers.

Caroline Sanford was born December 18, 1907. Ms. Sanford lived in San Antonio, for 25 years before moving to Ingram, Texas for another 25 years. She currently lives in Boerne and for the last 4 years has been living at the Menger House. While in San Antonio, Mrs. Sanford volunteered at a children's hospital for 15 years. She and her husband traveled to all 50 states and loves to read and listen to music. It is very important to her to stay active and believe in God. She believes her “secret” to living to 100 is to "keep on going."

According to the National Centenarians Awareness Project, the most important secret to becoming a centenarian is to stay active and social. Whether it’s a walk in the park or attending social events, today’s Centenarians are the role models for the future of aging. Like Ms. Dambrosia, Ms. Lewis and Ms. Sanford believe: It is never too late to enjoy the little things in life.

Love Will Find A Way

2010-09-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Love conquers all. While many of us have heard this saying, Harris and Doris Shinn have lived its truth. The Shinn’s story proves that love CAN conquer all, even a broken heart.

Harris and Doris Shinn, both residents of Morningside Ministries at The Meadows, met in passing before the loss of their respected spouses but never struck up an acquaintance. However, after their spouses passing, Doris and Harris ran into each other once again. This time they had something in common. They realized they found a mutual source of comfort in the understanding of each other’s pain and sorrow and soon began to spend more time in each other’s company over breakfast each morning in the dining room.

As time passed, Harris and Doris realized that not only did they support one another, but that they truly enjoyed each other’s company. They added lunch and social events to their daily schedule together. A big relationship changing moment came when Doris invited Harris to attend the Trinity Baptist Church with her. Doris had been a member of the church for a number of years and regularly attended their services. Harris found he was graciously welcomed by all and later joined the congregation.

When Doris went on a sixteen-day trip to Thailand with her family, Harris kept in contact with her son-in-law via email. Since Doris did not have an email account, this was Harris’ way to keep in touch and follow her adventures. Although Doris’ son-in-law wrote back and forth about the different things that Thailand had to offer, to this very day Doris has never read Harris’ emails.

In February 2010 Doris professed her affections and intentions to Harris with a Valentine’s Day card. Months later, Harris sent back the same Valentine’s card stating: “You have a standing invitation to be my wife.” They were married August 28, 2010.

Sometimes the biggest surprise in your life is finding that the very person whose shoulder you have leaned on can spark a light in your heart. Life and love will find a way even in what seems to be the darkest moments in your life. Let Harris and Doris Shinn be an example of a life with hope and love.

What Men Need to Know

2010-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

One would think that in the 21st century and after the generation of “I’m Okay; You’re Okay,” men would find it easier to go to the doctor. Regretfully, it is not so. Studies show that men still associate going to the doctor as a sign of weakness. They’re more likely to take their vehicle in for maintenance when nothing is glaringly wrong, yet many men won't show that same attention to detail and care for their own health.

Men have shorter life expectancies than women and die at higher rates for all the leading causes of death. I once read by Dr. Sharon Orrange, “Going to the doctor is a chick thing. Many men feel this way, but remember chicks live longer than men. If doctor visits are a chick thing, well, then, nursing homes are a guy thing.”

‘What Men Need to Know’ is a free online video with helpful information for men about erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Watch it and share it with the men in your life.

Link: http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=0c28c1bc822b4835a699e6c3dbb4f4761d

Urinary Tract Infections Not Only For Women

2010-09-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Green

I used to think only women could get urinary tract infections (UTIs), but of course, both men and women get them. Recently I learned urinary tract infections in an elderly man or woman can be very serious. Sometimes, the only symptom of a UTI in older adults is acute confusion; however, such clear symptoms are rare. UTIs in older adults might not involve pain or discomfort at all. “As you get older, your immune response changes; it’s part of normal aging,” explains Anna Treinkman, a nurse practitioner at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and President of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners.

A sudden change in behavior is one of the best indicators of a urinary tract infection in older adults. Other warning signs might include the onset of urinary incontinence, confusion or not being able to do tasks the patient could easily do a day or two before. “Anytime there’s a change in an older adult, a red flag should go up in a caregiver’s mind,” Treinkman says.

Older adults living in a group setting such as senior communities or nursing homes are more likely to be resistant to the antibiotics most often prescribed for urinary tract infections such as amoxicillin or nitrofurantoin. They may require stronger antibiotics as well as a longer course of antibiotics to combat the infection.

Early treatment of a symptomatic UTI may prevent more serious symptoms and complications and can quite possibly result in a return to the elder’s normal mental status.

Learn more about UTI symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures for seniors by watching two free videos. Both are short (less than six minutes) and provide useful information from Dr. David Talley of Urology San Antonio.

Link to Preventing Urinary Tract Infections: http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=793d4838e2104b6087f0d12d5b9f96891d

Link to Signs, Symptoms and Diagnoses of Urinary Tract Infections: http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=fd6d5815b20c4019898d6474389719601d

A little household pick up might help you avoid having to pick yourself up off the floor

2010-08-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20% to 30 % of those people 65 and older who fall will suffer injuries that inhibit mobility and hamper independent living.

That’s right. You can reduce the #1 cause of at-home injury with some thoughtful re-arrangement.

• Reduce clutter in your home, especially in the kitchen, hallways and bathrooms, to minimize tripping hazards.

• Install grab bars in bathrooms – rather than reaching for inadequately supported towel bars – to give yourself a firm grip.

• Add nightlights to hallways and stairwells so that you can make sure that last step isn’t a doozie.

• Take it slow and use your head when going down stairs or entering dark rooms – turn on the light, use the handrail – so that you don’t rush headlong into a head-over-heels disaster.

• Consider past near-misses and take a day to re-vamp the area- remove throw rugs, add non-skid pads, install non-slippery surfaces – so that “what ifs” don’t haunt you later.

With a little research and healthier choices, you can prevent a fall that may limit your mobility and independence. You can visit mmlearn.org to view a video Falls: A New Look At A Difficult Problem.

What if you have fallen? Then we're here to help you get back on your feet. Morningside Ministries offers rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Call 888-806-5004 to get more information about our services.

A simple trip to your doctor can help you avoid a nasty trip-up

2010-08-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007 there were nearly 9 million ER visits for falls, and close to a million of these resulted in hospital admissions.

You can minimize your risk of falling simply by staying up-to-date with your overall health and vision. On your next visit to your primary care doctor or specialist, ask him or her to:

• Check for these indications that you might be heading for a fall: change in walking ability; favoring one foot over the other; or inability to walk a straight line.

• Assess your bone and muscle strength to make sure you have what it takes to avoid a fall or a nasty outcome if you do fall.

• Discuss nutrition, including benefits of vitamin supplements or nutritional changes.

• Suggest an exercise program that might be right for you.

• Evaluate prescription dosages to make sure that too-large or too-small doses don't make you dizzy, jittery or weak and lead to a fall.

On your next visit to your optometrist or ophthalmologist, ask him or her to:

• Check your vision and correct even minor changes in depth perception or acuity to make sure you don't miss a step.

With a little research and healthier choices, you can prevent a fall that may limit your mobility and independence. You can visit mmlearn.org to view a video Falls: A New Look At A Difficult Problem.

What if you have fallen? Then we're here to help you get back on your feet. Morningside Ministries offers rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Call 888-806-5004 to get more information about our services.

A Healthy Diet Can Prevent Accidents

2010-07-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

According to The Centers for Disease Control there's an estimated half a million Americans, over 65, who fall unexpectedly every year. However, some of these falls may have been prevented with a good diet and adequate hydration, here are some helpful facts to always remember:

Drink Water - Drinking half the amount of water you weigh each day, in ounces, can help maintain body temperature, transport oxygen and remove waste. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink at least 50 ounces, or five glasses of water, a day.

Eat regular meals and snacks - To avoid a dizzy spell, make sure to eat your meals regularly and snack often. Concentrating on foods with Vitamin D, calcium, protein, and sodium can greatly affect and maintain healthy bones. For a steady amount of energy and help with the regenerative process it is important to balance your carbohydrate and protein intake.

With a little research and healthier choices, you can prevent a fall that may limit your mobility and independence. You can visit mmlearn.org to view a video Falls: A New Look At A Difficult Problem.

What if you have fallen? Then we're here to help you get back on your feet. Morningside Ministries offers rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Call 888-806-5004 to get more information about our services.

Helping out Our Veterans

2010-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Are you a war veteran or surviving spouse who needs help easing the cost of your daily expenses? If so, there is a program that can help pay for the care you need in your independent living, assisted living or nursing community. The Veteran's Administration Aid and Attendance Pension, otherwise known as A&A, is a federal pension for veterans and surviving spouses who require paid assistance for retirement living. Some of the benefits paid in the pension include help with bathing, dressing, hygiene, medication management, ambulation, transferring and/or other daily needs. There are several criteria needed for eligibility: veterans must have served 90 days during war time, but it’s not required that they served in a war zone during that time.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to Jim Hanna, a Vietnam War veteran and accredited agent with the VA. In 2007, Mr. Hanna discovered that many veterans were unaware of the available pension they could receive. He has since helped educate thousands of men and women of the rights and resources available to them. With Mr. Hanna's help with the application process, thousands of our veterans have received more than 11 million dollars in aid. These honorable men and women can have peace of mind knowing the money received from the United States military will help assist in their needs.

If you are interested in finding more information about the A&A Pension, you can call Morningside Ministries at 210-731-1202. There will be a information session held at The Meadows on July 31 at 10:30 am. This session will provide further information on receiving your A&A benefits.

Beat the heat this summer

2010-07-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

As the temperatures outside rise, it is important to be aware of your body’s temperature and the signs of a heat-related health problem.

Seniors especially are at high risk of heat stress, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, because their bodies can have a harder time adjusting to higher temperatures and are more likely to be taking medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or that inhibit perspiration. Also, chronic diseases of the heart or lungs can upset normal body responses to heat.

It is important to know the signs of heat stroke, such as flushed face, high body temperature, headache, diarrhea, nausea, rapid pulse, breathing problems, dizziness and confusion, and seek help if you feel any of these symptoms coming on. Here are 10 tips you can use to help you beat the South Texas heat this summer:

1. Keep cool. Use your air conditioning if you have it. Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees for prolonged periods of time. If you do not have air conditioning, head to a cool place like a movie theater, library or shopping center.
2. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Try to avoid beverages with caffeine or alcoholic beverages that can cause dehydration.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in white or light colors and natural fabrics, such as cotton. When outdoors, wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head, use sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
4. Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day – before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During outdoor activity, take frequent rest breaks and drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
5. Limit salt use.
6. Take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days. Ice packs and wet towels can also be helpful.
7. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun.
8. Curtail physical activity and strenuous chores during extremely hot weather. Activity adds to heart strain.
9. Eat a few light meals, such as salads, fruit or cold soups. Don’t eat big heavy meals. Foods that are heavier on your stomach take a lot of energy to digest which slows down your body’s cooling process.
10. Use fans to help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.

In the summertime, staying cool means staying healthy. Use these tips and listen to your body – if it’s telling you that you are too hot, take steps to cool yourself down immediately. For more information on staying hydrated and cool, please click the link below to watch a video on hydration/dehydration.

http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=01e8944fb2fe47e497a808773116e6791d

Pillows for Veterans

2010-07-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

A year into the American Revolution against Great Britain, a committee of five, led by Thomas Jefferson, wrote a formal Declaration of Independence. The publication was written July 2, 1776 and approved two days later by the Second Continental Congress.

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, July 3, 1776.

Generations later, Americans commemorate the brave soldiers who fought and died for this country as well as give thanks to those who protect our rights and freedoms today.

John Privitera, the Activity Director for Kaulbach Assisted Living, had a creative idea to make small patriotic pillows for San Antonio's veterans. With the help of several Morningside residents, Mr. Privitera planned to give the pillows to the veterans of the VA Hospital's Spinal Injury Unit over 4th of July weekend.

After announcing his activity, Mr. Privitera purchased the material believing he could immediately begin making pillows. Much to his surprise, pillows weren't an easy activity at all. With the help of a gracious woman--Ms. Marilyn Peterson—Mr. Privitera spent the next few days learning to sew.

Once Mr. Privitera was acquainted with a needle and thread, he tirelessly sewed his patriotic pillows every Thursday thereafter. Ms. Peterson, Ms. George, Ms. Hansen, Ms. Seiller and Ms. Taylor, residents of Kaulbach Assisted Living helped by stuffing the pillows alongside Mr. Privitera.

Friday, July 2nd, The VA Hospital's Spinal Injury Unit was pleasantly surprised with these tokens of appreciation. Mr. Privitera and the Morningside residents proudly passed out many of the pillows, saving only a few for the veterans who will be returning from the Vet Games in Denver on July 10th.

Mr. Privitera and several residents of Morningside Ministries plan to meet these brave men at the airport to show their gratitude and appreciation for all the soldiers who have selflessly protected our nation's freedom.

Americans like Mr. Privitera, Ms. Peterson, Ms. George, Ms. Hansen, Ms. Seiller and Ms. Taylor are important to Morningside Ministries. The thought and care that went into creating these pillows is what makes the employees and residents of Morningside Ministries so undeniably great.

The American Dream

2010-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

The American Dream includes a promise of prosperity and success, where citizens of every class believe that they can achieve a better, richer and happier life. Here at Morningside Ministries, we have a resident that represents this idea to the fullest.

Jose Arias was born in Monterrey, Mexico, on February 4, 1918. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 38. As a clothing tailor by trade, when an employment opportunity arose at Sugar Uniforms, a store his boss owned in U.S, Jose accepted the offer. Six months after coming here to San Antonio, he moved his family and kids from Mexico. He was chasing a dream of prosperity. The same dream immigrants arriving at the gates of Ellis Island in New York Harbor in the early 1900s had. And similarly to those early migrants, Jose arrived here with just the clothes on his back.

He was asked once by his boss about his goals in life, and Jose told him that he wanted to provide the opportunity for his children to receive a college education, he wanted to be the proud owner of his own home and he wanted to own a convertible car. His boss’ response to Jose’s humble goals was that he would never have any of those things because he was nothing but a clothing tailor. Jose did not accept the cynical fate his boss had predicted, stopping at nothing to get what he desired. He worked 80 hours a week for 11 years. After his employment at Sugar Uniforms, he opened his own shop in his home and tailored for Dillard’s for 3 years and JC Penny for 13 years.

Not only is Jose a skilled tailor, he is an talented Latin dancer. He learned to dance by watching TV. He loved to tango, swing, and bolero (a type of dancing style with slow-tempo Latin music). He became such an accomplished dancer that he went on to win two major dancing contests. He was asked to go on a tour all over South America, but said no because he didn’t want to leave his business.

Jose retired from his tailor work in 2007 at the age of 89. Although he no longer dances professionally, he occasionally likes to kick up his heels here at Kaulbach Assisted Living.

In the United States’ Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers stated that we hold certain truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is the dream that Americans value very much. In case any of you were wondering, Jose ended up fulfilling his goals.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

2010-06-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by watching An Age for Justice, a documentary film by Witness, free at www.mmLearn.org . Simply go to the website, click An Age for Justice and follow the prompts. You’ll be asked for your zip code. Then click on continue.

Watch An Age for Justice on your personal computer. Set up a projector and laptop with internet connectivity, and show it to a group—or just gather your family around your home computer.

Awareness is the first step in identifying and preventing elder abuse. Pass this information on to colleagues, family and friends. It’s a simple action you can take and be part of change in protecting older adults.

Here are ten important reasons for you to watch An Age for Justice and to pass the link on to others.

Nearly five million cases of elder abuse occur each year, but 85% go unreported.
The typical victim of elder abuse is a woman over 75 who lives alone.
Some 14,000 allegations of abuse, neglect or gross negligence are reported in nursing homes.
Close to 50% of those with dementia experience some form of abuse.
Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who are not mistreated.
Elder financial abuse costs older Americans more than $2.6 billion per year.
Family, friends, caregivers and neighbors are the culprits in financial abuse cases more than half the time.
Less than 2% of federal abuse prevention dollars go to elder mistreatment efforts. 91% is spent on child abuse and 7% on domestic abuse.
Financial abuse accounts for nearly 21% of the allegations of mistreatment investigated by Adult Protective Services.
By 2030, the numbers of older Americans over age 85 – those most at risk for abuse – will more than double.

Residents showcase talents at TAHSA Art Show

2010-06-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Morningside residents who were named winners in the 2010 Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging "Art is Ageless" Art Show! We are proud of the participating residents who were involved. This year there were over 200 entries from more than 30 communities around Texas. The winners received their award at a reception Saturday, May 15 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston. We commend and thank all of those who participated in the event.

The hard work that had gone into this spirited event was greatly noticed. The following is a list of winners from Morningside: The winners in the Poetry category included John Jarvis, having ranked first place for the piece he wrote titled: “Sand and Sea.” Additionally, Adelene Eldridge also received recognition for her poetry, titled “Another Year,” ranking 3rd place. For the Prose section, the first place winner Bill Scales, “Sing Me to Heaven.” In the Master works section, Betty Lynn Allen won 2nd place.

Neva June Shadden

“Scraps”

Second Place

Sewing Category

The Meadows

Bill Scales

“Lonliness is a Tactless Tyrant”

Third Place

Visual Arts Category

Menger Springs

Doris Pinner

“Red Wing Black Bird”

Third Place

Oil & Acrylic Category

Menger Springs

Ruth Milligan

“Afghan”

Second Place

Textiles Category

Menger Springs

Betty Lynn Allen

"Lovely Blues"

Second Place

Master Works Category

The Meadows

David Bickoff

Second Place

Watercolor Category

Menger Springs - Kendall House

Meet our new chairperson…

2010-05-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

“Morningside feels like family…a place where my heart comes home.” That is how Pat Wiseman describes her feelings about Morningside Ministries. Pat is the newly appointed chairperson of the Campaign Cabinet for the Building a Legacy of Care campaign. As chairperson, she and the other 16 members of the cabinet will help lead and oversee this $10 million planned giving endowment campaign.

Pat and the Wiseman family’s involvement with Morningside is hardly new and, in fact, goes back to the very founding of Morningside Ministries. Pat’s relative by marriage, Mrs. R.A. Wiseman, was vice president in 1957 of the San Antonio District Board of the Methodist Home for Older Adults which established what is now known as Morningside Ministries. Pat’s own involvement began when she volunteered to serve on Morningside’s board of directors. She served for six years on the board, including service on various board committees.

We welcome Pat back to Morningside leading the efforts of the Building a Legacy of Care campaign. She gives of her time and financial resources to ensure that our faith-based mission to older adults can continue well into the future. As the number of older adults needing care doubles over the next 20 years, Pat wants to make sure that Morningside is there to care for those who do not have family able to help them. Please help us in welcoming Pat as the new chairperson of the campaign. Thank you, Pat!

Residents at Kaulbach Assisted Living celebrate “Senior” Prom

2010-05-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Residents of Kaulbach Assisted Living celebrated the “Golden Age of Hollywood” at their second annual “senior” prom on Friday night. The auditorium was transformed into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with stars lining the walkways and pictures of celebrities such as Jimmy Stewart, Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis covering the walls. Red, black and silver balloons and decorations filled the room and KONO Radio DJ Dave Rios played “oldies” music for the residents to enjoy. After a fun movie-themed quiz game, the prom court was announced. This year’s honors went to: Duke - Joe Adams; Duchess – Oralia “Brownie” Tijerina; Prince – Dr. Benjamin Shaver; Princess - Felicita Salazar; King -Paul Billingsley; and Queen – Anna Wood.

Congratulations to the Prom King and Queen!

Glenn Biggs honored as TAHSA’s Philanthropist of the Year on Tuesday

2010-05-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Glenn Biggs, a Morningside board member, was honored by the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging as their Philanthropist of the Year. About 100 guests joined Glen as he accepted his award Tuesday evening at a reception at The Meadows Retirement Community. Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolfe presented Mr. Biggs with a proclamation from the county and City Councilman John Clamp presented one on behalf of the mayor’s office. Representatives from both State Senator Leticia Van de Putte’s office and U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s office congratulated Mr. Biggs on his honor and Senator Lamar Smith had the honor entered into the Congressional Record for Tuesday. Former Mayor Phil Hardberger and State Senator Jeff Wentworth were present to celebrate along with Mr. Biggs.

Glenn Biggs received this award because of his efforts to increase awareness, support and funding for older adults. The looming crisis in care for older adults as the Baby Boomers age has captured his interest, time and heart during the last four years that he has served on the board at Morningside. He has not only written his own check, but more importantly he has given of his time and influence to begin building a larger and better network of support for older adults and caregivers. He has introduced the organization to well-known Texans that have led to lasting relationships and initiated partnerships with public institutions and national corporations that promise to yield significant, long-term benefits to older adults in care.

The local business journal wrote of him: “… This gentle giant with a booming voice spends countless hours trying to get wealthy South Texans to give to causes which he believes are important. Time after time, he is called upon to advise college presidents and board chairmen who are seeking access to the network of former politicians and business millionaires who are willing to part with their fortunes for the right cause.”

Mr. Biggs has done whatever he can to strengthen this organization, build an awareness of the needs of older persons and their caregivers and to speak about the need to direct philanthropic dollars to this issue. This organization has received $750,000 in gifts and grants in the past two years that can be linked to his philanthropic work. More importantly he has helped us build a network of leaders and philanthropists who have the potential to contribute and direct millions of dollar, not just to this organization, but to many other nonprofits providing residential services to older adults in Texas. The responsibility of this organization is now to be stewards of his most generous gift to us: relationships.

Congratulations Mr. Biggs!

Lifetime Living named Newsletter of the Year by TAHSA

2010-05-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Lifetime Living, Morningside Ministries’ corporate newsletter, was named the Newsletter of the Year by the Texas Association of the Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA) for 2010. This is the third time that Lifetime Living has received this honor, also winning in 2009 and 2007.

Lifetime Living is produced in-house three times a year and showcases what happens inside Morningside Ministries' communities and portrays retirement living and senior care in a very positive light to the public. Circulation of the full-color, glossy publication is approximately 13,000, with 10,000 mailed to donors, potential residents, board members, area churches and pastors and others in the community. The remaining 3,000 are distributed to residents, employees and visitors to the community.

This publication is a good way for people in the community to learn about what Morningside has to offer, to inform them of what we do and how successful our organization continues to be. The magazine presents a thorough picture of life in our community and each issue includes news information from our three campuses. Content provided is relevant to residents, employees, board members and those not as familiar with our organization.

Each issue features one to two feature stories about residents, either about their contribution to the community or a relevant story about their life history, and provides stories that are relevant in today’s society, like social networking and legislative issues.

Features also include employee updates, a message from our in-house chaplain, an extensive activity calendar with events the public is invited to, an article with health information from one of our dietitians, news and updates from different departments, recognition of our donors from the previous quarter and photographs of resident events and parties. The newsletter is also used to advertise for upcoming special events and to give relevant information to our readers about senior issues.

The magazine-style newsletter is in an 8.5 by 11 inch format, so that it is easily mailed and easily handled by our readers. Each cover presents a full-color, full-bleed photograph or graphic with the title prominently featured. The newsletter is designed in mostly bright, trendy colors that are easy on the eye and very visually attractive.

All articles are written and edited in-house. For the most part, the photography is done in house, but certain stories are supplemented with stock photography or graphics. This newsletter is written, produced, designed, photographed and edited by one in-house staff member.

Eva Mata receives Environmental Services Award from TAHSA

2010-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA) has awarded Eva Mata, a laundry crew leader at Morningside Manor, with the Environmental Services Award for 2010. This award recognizes the importance of those employees in housekeeping, laundry and security. Her award will be presented during the TAHSA annual meeting in Houston during the week of May 16.

Eva is very focused on her job and is always striving for 100% customer satisfaction. She is a positive an upbeat person and instills that same attitude in those around her. Eva does everything she can to make family members satisfied with our service. She will explain the laundry operation in depth and will show families around the laundry facilities if they want a tour.

She demonstrates patience and kindness with the residents and will search tirelessly for a “missing” item for a resident, only to find it in the back of their closet. But she does it with a smile. Her sleuthing ability allows her to track down the owners of items ranging from eyeglasses to crucifixes to ensure that the resident is reunited with their property.

Eva has played a big part in Morningside Manor’s “Secret Santa” program that the laundry department provides for the residents. With the laundry staff in prime position to see which residents have clothing needs, during the holidays, Eva and her staff raise funds and buy needed clothing and other items for residents. Then Eva and her crew purchase, wrap and deliver Santa’s gifts on Christmas day. This program has enabled the laundry staff to help our residents and provides a morale boost for the department at the same time.

Eva puts tremendous effort into the Manor’s annual Celebration of Life fall festival. She coordinates the gigantic “flea market” type booth that the environmental services department prepares. It is such a hit with the residents!

Her strength is in her passion and commitment to the residents and in her leadership to her employees, especially in stressful work situations, such as equipment breakdowns or staffing shortages. Somehow, the job always gets done and clean linen and clothing is delivered to all of her customers. Her “can do” attitude and hands-on leadership is a source of inspiration to the rest of her crew.

Congrats Eva on this honor!

Meadows’ Director named Housing Professional of the Year by TAHSA

2010-05-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA) has awarded Jil Utterback, Executive Director at The Meadows Retirement Community, with the Housing Professional of the Year award. Jil was chosen for this award for her exemplary leadership and team building skills and her active involvement and support of the residents. Her award will be presented during the TAHSA annual meeting in Houston during the week of May 16.

Jil has been at The Meadows for more than 20 years, working first as a marketing assistant, then the director of information services, the assistant administrator and as the executive director since 1998.

The residents and staff appreciate Jil because of all that she does for them. She visits residents in the hospital and takes a personal interest in the residents who do not have family or whose family members are not involved. She has spent many nights sleeping at The Meadows when bad weather was approaching fearing that she might be not be able to make it in in the event of a weather emergency.

Every fall, Jil invites all of the residents out to her ranch in Bandera for a big barbecue dinner, hay rides and music. She buys every single employee a Christmas gift and always gives the staff a Christmas party – all with her own money. Her door is always open to residents and employees no matter how busy she is. She is extremely patient and kind with everyone.

Jil has been instrumental in bringing many new and innovative programs to The Meadows. She started a caregiver support group for those who have spouses with dementia. Jil bought a Nintendo Wii for the residents when they first came out and began a Wii Sports tournament that is still going on twice a week. She is always looking for new and creative ways to get the residents involved with activities and trips.

Often times, Jil acts not only as the executive director, but as the activities director as well. Every year, she takes the residents down to the rodeo, to the Veteran’s Day Parade, setting up the chairs for the residents herself, and throws a big Halloween party, personally dressing up and providing a fun-themed activity to go along with the costumes.

Jil is committed to the residents and the staff 24/7. Sometimes she even goes to bed with her pager on! When she is away on vacation, she always checks in to see if there is anything she can do to help. At work, at home, out shopping or at the beach, Jil is always available to provide leadership and assistance to her community. She has high standards and a strong work ethic. She supports her staff and bases her decisions on “doing what is right” and never on any personal agenda.

Jil has been active in TAHSA for more than 20 years, as a member of the Marketing Committee, Host Committee and Housing Committee. She served as the secretary of the TAHSA Central Texas Chapter for two years. Jil has a bachelor’s degree from UTSA and is a 1999 graduate of the North San Antonio Leadership Lab. She is a licensed nursing home administrator (LNFA) and a credentialed retirement housing professional (RHP).

Congratulations Jil on this honor!

Morningside Recognizes Earth Day

2010-04-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today, April 22, 2010, marks the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day and Morningside has adopted some “green” ways to help out the environment. Today, Cartridge World of San Antonio presented Morningside with its second Environmental Leadership Award. Alvin Loewenberg, president and CEO of Morningside Ministries, accepted the award from Ray Edinger, owner of Cartridge World. This award is given annually to an organization in the community that, through Cartridge World, has made a positive impact on the environment through reducing, reusing and recycling ink and toner cartridges. Since Morningside began using remanufactured cartridges in 2007, we have recycled over 2,071 of them, keeping over 7,200 pounds of e-waste from our landfills and hundreds of pounds of greenhouse gases from being generated and sent into our atmosphere. One toner cartridge can take up to 450 years to decompose in a landfill.

Residents of The Meadows Retirement Community are doing their part as well by recycling paper and newspapers and making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of water used throughout the 148 residences. According to the San Antonio Water System web site, toilets account for 26 percent of the water used at home. If every resident at The Meadows flushed one time less each day, it would save the community 1,095 gallons of water per year, per resident. As it is, The “Green” Committee at The Meadows was able to get 35 residents to commit to saving 78 flushes per day. This will equal a water savings of 85,410 gallons of water per year.

Old incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with the new fluorescent bulbs in most apartments and many residents are getting new thermostats in their apartments that are larger and easier to read. The administration offices at Morningside Ministries are beginning to recycle white office paper, plastics, magazines, newspapers and cardboard boxes. We’re off to a good start in our conservation efforts and hope to expand them even more in the years to come!

What to look for in a retirement community

2010-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Where are you going to live when you retire? It’s an important question to consider now, but the answer can change over time. In your home? With family members? In a retirement community?

Many people plan eventually to live in some type of retirement community, and it’s helpful to consider the various options available, from special neighborhoods to high rises to communities that offer the full continuum of care.

Good planning also includes knowing what your limits are and what you can afford. What services will insurance pay for, and how much is covered? How much do you have saved? What are the out-of-pocket expenses?

It is important to find a retirement community that best suits your needs, and one important part of that decision is to visit, get a first-hand look and ask some questions.

Here are some questions to consider when visiting:

Does the community have a mission statement? If so, how does that statement fit into the community on a daily basis?

What kind of health care and personal care does it offer? Is it on- or off-site? What support services are available? Also, ask about the community’s medical emergency procedures policy.

Will the community allow you to stay a night or two? In order to determine if this is your new home, check out all the community has to offer during your stay. Do you like the living conditions and the surroundings? Visit with current residents and find out how they like it.

What activities are offered? Find out what group activities and cultural enrichment activities are available on a weekly and monthly basis. What volunteer opportunities are available in the area? Does the community provide a shuttle service? Does the community allow pets?

How healthy and appetizing is the community’s food quality? Visit the prospective community during lunch or dinner time and ask questions about dietary needs and food preparation.

Does the community offer a full continuum of care – from independent living to hospice? You may want to ask about the transition process to each stage should the need arise.

Mind Your Manners: Doing Business with Older Adults

2010-02-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Nearly one in every eight, or 12.6 percent, of the population is an older American. And, here in Texas, we have one of the fastest growing senior populations, with significant growth in San Antonio and the Hill Country. According to Senior Magazine online, seniors control 70 percent of the disposable income in the United States. That means one-third of the population controls two-thirds of the spending capital.

So, if you are a business owner, what is the best way to do business with an older adult? Well, the same way that you do business with anyone else. Courtesy and customer service is key. The business "best practices" are basically the same but there are some distinctive purchasing characteristics of seniors that may help you in your business. Seniors tend to be very brand loyal and rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to determine what services they will use or which items they purchase. Since many of today's seniors grew up during the Great Depression, these seniors need to see a good value for their money. And, maybe surprising to some, nearly half of all seniors use the Internet to do research before purchasing.

Face-to-face interaction is very important to seniors as is accessibility. Make sure your business is up-to-date with accessibility rules and regulations and make your business as easy to get in and out of as possible. Offer assistance if necessary. As any good business person, maintain honesty and fairness and if you know of or hear of any scams involving seniors, either local or from outside, be sure to alert local authorities to verify.

Renovations Underway at The Meadows

2010-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

A new look is emerging at The Meadows Retirement Community and residents and staff are excited! Originally built in 1984, The Meadows celebrated their 25th anniversary in late 2009. Only very small cosmetic changes have been made at The Meadows since it opened, so the building was ready for a major renovation.

Wood trim, warm golden wallpaper and paint, a new ceiling and new lighting have already been installed and are setting the stage for what is soon to come when the new art, carpet, flooring, draperies and furniture are added as the last finishing touches.

The public bathrooms have been completed and look beautiful but they also still have some surprise finishing touches yet to be unveiled, as do the new display case and piano lounge.

The main office has been completely reconstructed, with new windows in a design that creates an open, more inviting customer service area and includes all new granite counter tops, cabinets, ceiling, lighting and carpeting.

The new marketing office is complete with a wall of beautiful custom cabinets and a built-in desk. New furniture and draperies will arrive at the end of the project and complete the beautiful new space. The new theatre/multi media room and the coffee café lounge area are undergoing major construction at this time.

The 25-year-old plain, beige tile in the atrium will be replaced with lovely ceramic tile in tones of gold, rust and gray that will add a dramatic change in the final stages of the project.

The construction crew has been most accommodating while working in resident spaces and residents have been so patient with the work in progress. The whole project is on target to be completed by the end of February. A renovation

celebration is scheduled for April 9, 2010 when we will really kick up our heels and celebrate!

Ageless Love!

2010-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Last week, we had the honor of hosting a wedding of two residents at The Meadows Retirement Community. It doesn’t happen often but it is always an exceptionally happy and inspiring occasion. And the Hollar wedding was no exception . . .

Claire Dawson (84) and Homer Hollar (86) met less than a year ago at The Meadows’ Bridge Club. Homer began to walk Claire back to her apartment after the games and they began attending other activities together. He noticed her in the dining room – how she would always help several other ladies who are in wheelchairs get seated and get their salads from the salad bar. He knew then that she was a terrific lady.

So, Homer began to seek advice on how to get better acquainted with Claire. He turned to an old classic movie, Sleepless in Seattle, to figure out how to get one-on-one time with Claire. In the movie, Tom Hanks invited a lady he was interested in back to his house to look at swatches. To his dismay, Homer didn’t have “swatches” but he now had a plan. He knew how to dance. And since Oktoberfest was coming up, and he intended to ask Claire to dance at Oktoberfest, he invited her over to his apartment for dance lessons. She agreed and after that first dance lesson in Homer’s apartment, they were officially a couple.

By December they knew they would be married. And on January 8, 2010 they made the official announcement and began planning their wedding – which was 3 weeks away! The couple decided to have both the ceremony and the reception at The Meadows because it is their home. They both love it there and have many friends there. So, staff at The Meadows kicked into high gear and began planning all the details of the ceremony and reception for them.

On January 29^th, the couple was married in front of a small group of family and close friends. Homer’s son flew in from Hungary and his daughter and son-in-law came from Honduras. Grandchildren from Michigan and Austin were also present to celebrate the happy occasion. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Harris Shinn, a fellow resident at The Meadows. In a flowing periwinkle dress with a small bouquet of pink and white flowers, Claire walked down the aisle with her son-in-law and met her groom at the altar. With their children attending, the couple happily exchanged vows during the intimate ceremony.

After a few photos, the bride & groom joined wedding guests and fellow residents for a reception in the Atrium area at The Meadows. They enjoyed cake and toasted with champagne and then they kicked up their heels for some dancing.

As they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together, the happy couple says it feels so nice to be married and to not feel lonely anymore. So congratulations to Homer & Claire and best wishes on many years of happiness!

Understanding Your Senior Living Options

2010-02-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

The holiday season was a time for most of us to spend happy moments together with family and friends, whether staying close to home or traveling far away. It was also a time when many adult children were confronted with the challenges their elder parents or family members are now facing and the idea that they may not be able to live alone anymore or without some sort of assistance.

Now that the holidays are over and a new year is settling in, many are wondering what to do or where to go to get family members the help they need. Every January sees an increase in calls from concerned family members about their loved ones here at Morningside Ministries. Many of them are just looking for help and don’t know where to turn.

Continuing care retirement communities are a great solution for many of today’s seniors. In a continuing care setting, many living options are offered on one campus, including independent living apartments or cottages, assisted living, nursing care, rehabilitation and memory care services.

It is, however, important to understand the different options when it comes to senior living and to make an informed decision for you or your loved one.

Independent Living covers a range of housing styles, from active adult apartments to individual homes that are designed for those who are able to care for themselves. An independent living lifestyle offers services such as social activities, chef-prepared meals, fitness programs, transportation and housekeeping. Specific amenities vary from community to community, and may include a clubhouse, library, activity and craft rooms, chapel, fitness center, walking trails and swimming pool. Independent living does not offer health care services and is not state-licensed or regulated. Most communities offer apartments on a rental basis, but some communities offer apartments for purchase, like a condominium.

Assisted Living is a state-licensed program within a community setting that offers assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Services provided in assisted living usually include meals, laundry, housekeeping, activities and outings. Assisted living is designed for people who can no longer live independently in a private residence but do not need the 24-hour medical care provided in a nursing home setting.

A nursing care center is licensed by the state and provides services and rehabilitation to people with illnesses, injuries, functional and physical disabilities or cognitive impairments who require around-the-clock care. In the United States, nursing homes are required to have a licensed nurse on duty 24-hours a day. Most nursing homes offer services and staff to care for a resident’s every need including nutrition, activities, pastoral care, care planning and medical needs. Nursing care can be paid for in a number of ways: private pay by the resident or family; long-term-care insurance; Medicare or Medicaid.

Memory Care can be provided in an assisted living or nursing care setting and assists individuals who are experiencing memory loss, a decline in ability to perform routine tasks, impaired judgment and disorientation. Staff is specially trained to meet the specific needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Are you visiting older relatives during the holidays?

2009-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a time when families traditionally come together and, for many families who are spread out across the country, this might be the first time they have seen elderly parents or other older relatives in a year. It may also be a time when adult children begin to notice changes in their parent’s behaviors or quality of life.

During visits with these loved ones, family members should pay special attention to certain signs that could indicate a loved one needs more help around the house, may need to move to a senior living community or is suffering from depression.

Some questions to ask yourself are:

Is anything different about their appearance? Have they lost weight? Have their personal hygiene habits changed? Are they dressed appropriately?

Observe their physical condition. Can they still walk up and down the stairs or get around the house? Can they grocery shop and prepare their own meals? Do they remember to take their medications? Can they bathe and use the bathroom without any help?

Also, look around the house. Do you see mail that is unopened or bills that have not been paid? Or prescriptions that have not been refilled? Is the house in disarray or disrepair? Stacks of newspapers piling up around the house?

Do you notice any changes in their mental condition? Are they still connected to others? Do they continue to participate in activities that they have always enjoyed?

Depending on what you see during your visit, it may be time to assess your loved one's living situation and think about getting them the appropriate help.

Families should also keep an eye out for signs of depression in older adults, especially in those who have recently suffered with health problems, the loss of a loved one or the loss of their social networks. Symptoms of depression can include marked changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, loss of self-esteem, crying for no reason, social withdrawal and even an increase in physical aches and pains.

Older adults with depression are also more likely to be anxious, irritable or worried. Constantly wringing their hands, pacing the room or worrying obsessively about money or their health can also be signs of depression.

According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 20 percent of older adults suffer from depression. Depression is not a normal part of aging, so if you sense that your older loved one may be depressed, give them support and get them the help that they need.

For more information about senior living options or the type of care given at retirement or assisted living communities, please call Morningside Ministries at (210) 731-1202.

The Inside Scoop . . .

2009-11-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

What a joy it is to be around the staff who, one by one, understands how important autonomy becomes for those of us living in a “retirement setting.”

I appreciate everyone who classifies each one of us octogenarians as capable, talented, creative humans (even though legs, ears or eyes maybe less functioning than those around us to plan and execute the activities offered).

Especially sensitive for me are those who teach, handle the foods, repair malfunctions and provide security service. It would be disastrous to mention names because there are so many who boost my morale as an individual. They radiate acceptance and love daily.

Many Thanks!

Helen Edkins

Will Medicare pay for my care?

2009-11-09T10:54:00.001-08:00

If you ever need nursing home care, will Medicare pay for it? Well, maybe, but maybe not.

Contrary to what many people believe, their Medicare coverage will not pay for their long-term care needs. And chances are good that you will need some assistance during your lifetime. According to a recent Business Week article, 65% of people over the age of 75 need long-term care and, with an aging population, that number will continue to climb.

Generally, Medicare will pay for care in a skilled nursing community if it is medically necessary and you have met certain conditions that they have set out. Medicare will cover a short-term nursing stay for rehabilitation from an injury or illness, but only following a three-night hospital stay. A rehabilitation stay is covered in full for up to 20 days. After 20 days, if the need for skilled care continues, the resident will be required to pay a co-insurance, which is the amount uncovered by Medicare from days 21 – 100. Many Medicare supplements pay the co-insurance amount.

Medicare does not, however, provide coverage for services in assisted living communities. Assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and using the bathroom are not considered “skilled” services and are not covered under Medicare. Assisted living communities typically only accept private pay and long-term care insurance.

So if Medicare will not pay for your needs, will Medicaid? Once again, the answer is maybe. Medicaid is a joint state and federal government program that pays for long-term care services for older adults with low incomes and limited assets. But, to qualify, you must exhaust all your assets and virtually all of your income. Medicaid recipients must have less than $2,000 in assets. To qualify for long-term care nursing home Medicaid, you must meet “medical necessity,” which basically states that you require 24-hour nursing care supervision. Because the number of applications for Medicaid has increased exponentially over the past few years, states are increasingly making it more difficult to receive Medicaid funding.

According to the U. S. Health Care Financing Administration, about 40% of long-term care bills are paid for by Medicaid and 18% are paid by Medicare. That leaves 42% of all long-term care bills to individuals and families to pay out of their own pocket or to insurers to pay.

Volunteering in a senior community can be rewarding for you and the residents

2009-10-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Everyday, people of all ages are looking for ways to make a difference in their community and to give back to society. And, increasingly, instead of making monetary donations, people are looking for ways to give of their time. Volunteering in a senior care community is a very enriching and rewarding experience – not just for the seniors, but also for the people who volunteer. Many times, people can shy away from volunteering in nursing homes because they think they do not have anything to offer. But everyone does have something to offer – even if you don’t consider yourself talented.

Volunteering can take many forms: reading the newspaper or books to residents who cannot see, playing a musical instrument or singing for a group of residents, leading an exercise class, calling bingo, facilitating an arts and crafts project, teaching a basic computer class or a Spanish lesson, running errands or personal shopping for residents, giving manicures, playing table games, writing letters, making welcome baskets, taking residents outside or more simply making one-on-one in-room visits. During these visits, residents may want to talk or may want to just listen to someone tell them about what is going on in the world today. They may just need a small touch on the arm or a loving smile.

For the volunteer, helping out in a senior care community can provide you with an incredible sense of fulfillment and purpose and an outlet for your knowledge, talent and abilities. You can enrich the life of an older adult and at the same time learn new skills, obtain unique life experiences and meet a diverse range of people that have lived long and storied lives. You can get a better understanding of the history and development of your community and the people who cultivated it.

Volunteering in a senior care community is simple and can take as little time as one hour a month or just on holiday occasions to as many hours as your heart desires. There is no right or wrong way. But your gift of time can make a huge difference in the life of an older adult. And in your life as well.

Preparing for life after 65

2009-10-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Smith knew they needed to start planning for their retirement, but there was never enough time or enough money. At 75, there was no money left, their health was failing and they were afraid to ask their children for help. They waited too long to have the tough conversations, and their options shrunk significantly.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith could be anyone, but a little planning can help everyone weather the financial, emotional and health challenges associated with old age.

Nearly 37.3 million Americans were 65 years or older in 2006. By 2030, that number will double to 71.5 million people, representing more than 20 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging. In Texas, nearly 4 million of us will be over 65 years old in 2020, according to a Texas State Data Center projection.

As the president of Morningside Ministries, which includes several senior living communities around San Antonio and the Hill Country, I am acutely aware that too many people in our society simply do not want to deal with issues related to aging. We need to begin to see aging as a positive life progression.

This starts with conversations and interaction at the family level. It’s often easier for parents to start by telling family members what they want to happen as they grow older.

Parents, you can help your children by defining what’s important to you. For example, it’s important for your family to know what your financial capabilities are for long-term care. Family members need to know whether you have the means of caring for yourself or if alternative funding and living arrangements need to be found. Retirement planning is critical to financial stability, and long-term care insurance is an option for people to consider in their 40s and 50s, when the insurance is more affordable and accessible.

Logistical elements, such as preparing wills, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, organ donation agreements and identifying funeral preferences are all tough conversations but are better held while all parties in the family can discuss and be heard. These documents can also be prepared at any age and changed when necessary.

All family members need to be aware of family dynamics. There is often disagreement within families and among siblings about the best course of action to take. If your parent or grandparent is still cognitively able to make decisions, then let them. It’s easier to come together as a family before mom, dad, grandma or grandpa no longer can make their own decisions.

Anyone over the age of 30 has probably been told, “Eat less. Exercise more,” and to prepare for life beyond 65, this can’t be stated enough. Regular exercise not only prevents injuries and helps a person’s overall physical health; the mental and social benefits of exercise are enormous. Heart health, flexibility and strength are all important, so whether it’s yoga, tennis, bowling, swimming, running or any other exercise, your goal is to move and move often.

Maintaining a positive attitude never hurts as we get older. Studies have shown that positive thoughts can add as much as 7.5 years to your life. And, part of positive thinking is maintaining a strong social circle. People who participate in regular social gatherings and maintain close friendships have a much higher quality of life whether they live to 66 or 106.

As a society, we also need to encourage children to play a more active role in the lives of senior adults. Intergenerational activities allow children the opportunity to get comfortable being around older people and to develop wonderful relationships.

Taking proper measures and having these tough conversations before it’s too late, when choices are limited regarding appropriate care, allows everyone peace of mind and the opportunity to enjoy life. With a little preparation, the aging process can be a seamless and beautiful experience.

Alvin Loewenberg, President/CEO, Morningside Ministries

Walk with us to fight Alzheimer's disease

2009-09-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

In just three days, employees, residents and family members from Morningside Ministries will join the Alzheimer's Association in their annual walk to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer's care, research and programs. There are currently 35 million people worldwide who are living with Alzheimer's or dementia and many of them are older adults. Join us and the Alzheimer's Association on Saturday to help raise money for a cure. The walk is Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. The opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information, or to walk with the Morningside team, please contact us at (210) 731-1202.

Do you know someone who is 100?

2009-09-17T11:59:00.001-07:00

If so, Tuesday, September 22nd is their day. That day, centenarians all over the United States will be celebrated for their longevity. A centenarian is someone who has reached the age of 100 or above. Centenarians are one of the fastest growing segments of our population and there are nearly 100,000 in the United States today.

Morningside Ministries will celebrate Centenarian's Day with 12 residents this year. A very select group, they equal just 1.5% of the total resident population at Morningside. Three more residents will turn 100 before the end of the year.

Imagine the incredible journey they have had and all the things they have seen in their life. Today's centenarians were born when Theodore Roosevelt was president, the American flag had only 46 stars, eggs cost 14 cents a dozen, milk was 8 cents a quart and postage stamps were two cents each. Radio and vaudeville were popular and Burl Ives, Benny Goodman, Jessica Tandy, Al Capp, Douglas Fairbanks and Barry Goldwater were all born 100 years ago.

In 1909, the average worker made just 22 cents an hour or around $600 a year and life expectancy was under 50 years old. There were 76,000,000 people in the United States and only 8,000 cars with 10 miles of paved roads.

Notable events in 1909 include the discovery of the magnetic South Pole, the founding of the NAACP, the beginning of construction on the RMS Titanic, the establishment of the city of Tel Aviv, Israel and the foundation of a new U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 1909 also brought us Lipton tea, the electric toaster, the Lincoln penny, Kewpie dolls and the passage of the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, authorizing a federal income tax.

This doesn't come close to all the scientific, medical, engineering or technological advancements, political, economic and ideological changes and innovations in transportation and communications that they have witnessed during their lifetimes. Imagine all they have seen! If you know someone who is a centenarian, take the time to sit down and talk with them. You can learn a lot about their history and the history of the world we live in.

by Jennifer Van Cleave, Director of Communications for Morningside Ministries

Celebrate Grandparents this Sunday!

2009-09-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

by Jennifer Van Cleave, Director of Communications for Morningside Ministries

This coming Sunday, September 13, 2009, marks the 30th official observance of Grandparent's Day in the United States. Signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s, it is a day to "honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children and to help children become aware of the strength and guidance that older people can offer."

Sunday provides a great opportunity to take a little time and help your children honor their grandparents and other older adults in their life. Help them write a note, color a picture or call them. Family celebrations are also a great way to mark the occasion. Help grandma and grandpa date or label photos in their photo albums or put together a family tree. Both of these activities allow seniors to tell their stories and relive their past and also familiarizes young people with their ancestral lines and family history.

Grandparent's Day is also an opportunity to visit older adults who live in nursing homes or assisted living communities. People often visit seniors in nursing communities around the holidays and Christmas time but not during any other time of the year. The stories and wisdom that many of these adults have to offer are invaluable. You never know who you are going to meet or what you will learn when you walk through the front door. Centenarians, veterans, artists, musicians, former businessmen, politicians, missionaries, big band performers, professional athletes and rocket scientists. People who fought for women's rights, equality and the freedom of our country, who experienced the Great Depression and the rebirth of our nation. People who have shaped our country and the way we live today. People with wisdom and guidance to pass on to the younger generations. It is important for children and young adults to recognize and honor that.

Long-term care issues critical in national heath care debate

2009-08-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

by Alvin Loewenberg, President/CEO of Morningside Ministries

Some would argue the country’s health care system is in a state of crisis. There are countless issues involved in health care reform, and unfortunately, we are attacking the industry’s illnesses with band-aids. We need to look at our ailing health care system from a holistic perspective, one that goes beyond the hospital and acute care settings. When we discuss health care reform, it’s absurd to talk about it without including long-term care in the dialogue.

By 2030, nearly 71.5 million people in the United States will be over the age of 65, which is approximately double the current number of older Americans, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging. In addition, more than 40 million Americans are disabled, many of whom require long-term care. Here in Texas, we have one of the fastest growing elderly populations, with significant growth in San Antonio and the Hill Country.

Aging affects everyone, but too often it is portrayed as something negative, when in reality it means people are living happily and often doing great things. Growing older can and should be a glorious and rewarding experience, just as any other stage of life.

But many people are not equipped financially to pay for a good quality of life as they age.

With baby-boomers aging, the country is just beginning to see the effects of a fast-growing older population in which many do not have the ability to pay for their age-related needs. We have a Medicaid system that is going broke. Medicare, as most people are unaware, is not a funding source for long-term care. Medicare pays for short-term care – up to 20 days of rehabilitation or a portion of nursing care up to 100 days. Private long-term care insurance is unaffordable for many Americans, and, thus it doesn’t provide a secure source of funding for a majority of people.

We need to make a commitment to funding services and resources for long-term care. Long-term care is more than nursing homes. It involves community services, companions skilled nursing care, residential living and in-home care, among many other disciplines. All too often the needs of older adults go far beyond their ability to pay. On many occasions, the services simply are not available, even if there are unlimited personal funds to cover them.

Many older adults continue to live at home as they age, and they need money to pay for things like transportation, meals, house cleaning and household modifications such as handrails for safety and ramps for easier access.

Ninety percent of all older adults are cared for at home by family members, which can take a personal and financial toll on caregivers. Many caregivers have to stop working, but they still have other family to care for. There are few resources for assisting caregivers.

Funding more long-term care programs and services is an investment in our economy and our future, as the healthcare industry generates significant job growth and economic impact. For example, the Texas nursing home industry currently has an $11.3 billion economic impact on the State, according to a 2006 Texas Medicaid Nursing Facility Cost Report compiled by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission. The same report indicates that nursing home spending on Medicaid residents generates a $6.7 billion economic impact in Texas.

The Texas Legislature began the dialogue in the 2009 session, forming a long-term care task force comprised of four legislators and two citizens who will begin studying the issues involved in long-term care, and it will be important for each of us to stay informed and participate in the conversation.

Overhauling the U.S. healthcare system will take new ideas and sacrifice, entrepreneurial innovation and the fortitude to make tough decisions if change is to be expected. But, that’s nothing new for Americans. We are a country built on change and improvement.

Can you afford a retirement community?

2009-08-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Probably, yes. Most people think that living in a retirement community is too expensive and they cannot afford it. And, the more services it offers, the more expensive it will be. But that is not necessarily true . . . many times living in a retirement community can cost less than staying in your own home. When you factor in all the costs of maintaining a home – utilities, taxes, housekeeping, repairs and maintenance – it often makes sense to make the move to a retirement community, where all those expenses are included in your monthly fee. And, add in the free activities, fitness classes, educational opportunities and transportation, and you may be getting a whole lot more than you currently are at home.

Let’s do the math:

Household Expenses	Your Cost at home:	Your cost in a retirement community:
Rent/Mortgage/Fees	$	$
Property Taxes	$	$ INCLUDED
Homeowner’s Insurance	$	$ INCLUDED
Electricity	$	$ INCLUDED***
Water/Trash/Sewer	$	$ INCLUDED
Major Home Repairs (roof/painting/AC)	$	$ INCLUDED
Lawn Care	$	$ INCLUDED
Seasonal Maintenance (leaves, shrubs, trees, gutters)	$	$ INCLUDED
Housekeeping	$	$ INCLUDED
Dining (grocery expense for main meal of each day)	$	$ INCLUDED
Health Club Membership	$	$ INCLUDED
Security Patrol	$	$ INCLUDED
Basic Cable TV	$	$ INCLUDED
Entertainment	$	$ INCLUDED
Local Transportation	$	$ INCLUDED
24-hour emergency services	$	$ INCLUDED
Monthly Total:	$	$

***Electricity is included in some, but not all communities, depending on your desired level of care.

When you take into account all your monthly expenses, does it add up for you? Don’t forget to consider the more free time you will have without home-related chores, the more fun you will have with activities and entertainment and the more socializing and relaxing you can have with friends and neighbors. It can add up to more of what you want out of retirement for less cost than you thought.

Tips for senior travelers

2009-07-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

According to the Travel Industry Association, seniors age 65 and older account for 16 percent (that's 92.6 million) of all domestic U.S. trips. They travel, on average, at least 3 times per year with most trips (46 percent) taken by automobile. Most trips for mature travelers continue to be pleasure trips and are more likely to involve visiting historical places or museums, attending cultural events and festivals or group tours.

All travelers should plan carefully to ensure a smooth and safe trip, but here a few helpful tips for the senior traveler.

When you make your reservations, mention the fact that you are a senior. Many airlines and hotels offer senior discounts and reduced admissions are available to many theaters, museums and other attractions, as well as discounted fares on public transportation. Most rental car companies also have rates for seniors. Keep in mind that the senior rate is not always the best rate, so always ask about special rates or promotions first, then ask about senior discounts. And, don't be afraid to tell travel providers if you need special accommodations. Airlines, trains, buses and cruise ships can all accommodate people who have trouble getting around.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. Although, you may think it's not necessary, it can reimburse you for the non-refundable parts of you trip if you have to cancel. Another consideration is evacuation insurance, which can cover the costs of getting you suitable medical care in the case of an emergency.

Be realistic about what you can do. Don't plan a jam-packed itinerary every day of your vacation. Plan sight-seeing in half-day segments and plan in plenty of rest breaks.

And pack carefully. Make sure you pack a full supply of medications. It can be difficult to get a refill on the road. A rolling suitcase is the best option, especially if you will be traveling to more than one location. And, unless you are taking a short trip on a direct flight, go ahead and check your bag. A heavy carry on bag can become cumbersome if you have to change flights at a busy airport.

You can also consider a senior travel group or use a travel agency that specializes in senior travel. Club Morningside is the official travel club for residents, family members and friends of Morningside Ministries. The travel club offers two to three large trips every year and several smaller day and overnight trips around the state throughout the year. The travel club offers several benefits to seniors. One: You're trip is planned for you. You do not have to spend time online or elsewhere planning your vacation and researching destinations, making flight, hotel and rental car reservations. That's all taken care of for you. Two: You have a group of friends to travel with. And even if your best friends aren't going along, you're traveling with a group of neighbors and are sure to make new friends along the way. And three: The travel club offers very affordable prices. The vacations are packaged to include flights, hotels, airport transfers, most meals, show tickets and more. Plus, you don't have the added expense of rental cars or tour guides.

If you are interested in any of the upcoming Club Morningside trips, you can find more information at morningsidemin.org/travelclub.html.