Senior TimesE D C A r e a A g e n c y o n A g i n g - 9 3 7 S p r i n g S t r e e t P l a c e r v i l l e , C a l i f o r n i a 9 5 6 6 7 - 5 3 0 - 6 2 1 - 6 1 5 0

Inside T h i s I s s u e

Senior Legal News.....................Senior Shuttle Trips....................... Emergency Preparedness..................Nutrition Menu.............................. Senior Trips & Activities................... Community Activities.................Scam of the Month............................ Medicare News..........................Benefits of Fall Weather...................Veterans Stand Down......................

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S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 7Preventing Scams Presentation to be Held at El Dorado Hills Senior Center on October 20th, 2017El Dorado County senior residents are invited to attend a special presentation on how to avoid scams. The free workshop will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, located at 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

Leading professionals from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will conduct the presentation to include discussion about: Affinity Marketing and Affinity Fraud, “Ponzi” and “Pyramid Schemes”, Time Share Scams, Lotteries and Sweepstakes Scams, Grandparent Scams, Foreign Scam Letters, Cyber Fraud, Social Security Scams, and more.

“We are very excited to host this workshop and raise awareness on the impacts of fraudulent and financial crimes (scams), particularly those that can affect the older adult population,” said Star Walker, program coordinator with the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. “This will be a great opportunity for our senior residents to ask questions and learn how to protect themselves and their assets.”

In addition to FBI officials, local law enforcement officials will be in attendance at the workshop to provide an overview of local scams happening in our area. “Please join us for this special opportunity to speak with some of the Country’s leading professionals with

expertise in scams,” added Walker. For more information, call Star Walker at (530) 621-6255.

NEW-Senior Community Garden is looking for VolunteersThe Placerville Senior Center is proud to announce the starting of a Senior Community Garden. The garden will be located in the courtyard of the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville.

The garden will be overseen by HHSA staff and maintained by volunteers. In order to make this project successful, the Placerville Senior Center needs 5-10 volunteers to help run the garden. Volunteers are needed in all capacities from planting seeds in the raised beds to weekly maintenance of the plants.

If you are interested in volunteering your time and garden expertise, please call Star Walker at (530) 621-6255. A welcome and introduction meeting will be held in September.

Senior News2

Area Code (530)Western Slope

Information & Assistance 621-6369 Legal Assistance 621-6154Long Term Care Ombudsman 621-6271Senior Nutrition Program 621-6160Senior Trips & Activities 621-6255Senior Day Care Center 621-6180Senior Times 621-6255Family Caregiver Support Program 621-6151Senior Shuttle 621-6369In Home Supportive Services 642-4800Senior Peer Counseling Program 621-6304 Multipurpose Senior Services Program 621-6278Senior Health Education Program 621-6151Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800Department of Veterans Affairs 621-5892El Dorado Transit/Dial-a-Ride 642-3696

South Lake TahoeInformation and Assistance 621-6369South Lake Tahoe Senior Center 542-6094South Lake Tahoe Senior Nutrition 573-3130Legal Assistance 621-6154El Dorado County Health Dept. 573-3155Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800BlueGo Bus Transportation 541-7149SLT Cancer League 573-1203Better Breathers Support Group 542-9183Department of Veterans Affairs 573-7955 ext-5892Hospice/Adult Grief Support Group 542-3171Report Elder Abuse 24 Hours 800-925-1812

Senior Legal News

Estate Planning for Low-Income SeniorsBy Diana Steele, Edited by Michelle L. Ward, Senior Legal Services

Most people would deny they have an “estate.” It conjures up images of large mansions and bigger bank accounts. And yet, legally, we each have an estate. It is the assets we own, whether vast or humble. There are many reasons to do a bit of planning for the transfer of those assets upon your death, what is termed “estate planning.”

The most important reason to plan is to make things easier for those people you leave behind. By designating an executor, you give authority for someone of your choosing to take care of the affairs surrounding your death. Otherwise it can be confusing, frustrating, and expensive for your family and friends. A will is the required document to appoint an executor. A simple legal will can be a handwritten, signed note, stating the name of the executor and naming one or more beneficiaries. Alternatively, there is a “fill-in-the-blanks” will form available specifically for California residents, called a statutory will. Or you can have an attorney draft a will, ensuring the legalities are properly met.

Another reason for estate planning is to ensure your assets will transfer to the beneficiaries of your choosing. Under California law, if you pass away with no will, your spouse and/or children are entitled to inherit all of your assets. However if you do not have a spouse or children then your next of kin will inherit. This may or may not be as you wish. Additionally, your estate may be probated, depending on the size of your estate and how you hold title to your assets.

Probate is the procedure by which the local court oversees and approves the appointment of an executor/personal representative and the transfer of your assets to your beneficiaries, (those named in your will) or heirs, (those who have a legal right under the law to inherit). Probate may be preferable if you anticipate a lot of disagreement amongst the family, or if you have a lot of creditors. However, most families can manage asset transfer without court oversight. You should be familiar with the various methods by which your estate can avoid probate, saving your family time and money.

Creating a trust is one of many methods to avoid probate. If you own real estate it is probably the method of choice. A trust is a legal entity into which you transfer assets. The creator of the trust is the “trustor” and usually puts himself/herself in charge of managing the trust as “trustee.” The trust includes a set of instructions as to how the trust assets should be managed during life and after your death. The family generally provides the oversight to ensure the transfers occur as you wish.

For more information about Senior Legal Services or to schedule an appointment, please call (530) 621-6154.

Senior News 3

Placerville Area- Mondays:September 11– Raley’sSeptember 18- Grocery Outlet & Dollar Tree, BroadwaySeptember 25– Savemart, Kmart & Safeway

Camino, Pollock Pines Area ThursdaySeptember 14 - Broadway Shopping September 28 – Walmart, K-Mart and Safeway

Rescue, Georgetown and Coloma area TuesdaySeptember 26 – Walmart

Special Events Friday– Mark Your Calendar!September 1 — WinCo Foods, FolsomSeptember 12 – Folsom Area Shopping, East Bidwell September 29 - Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park ( Please pay fee of $9.50 for admission no later then 27th of September. This includes parking and a brown bag lunch)

Senior Shuttle Events for September 2017Join the Senior Shuttle car pool! The Senior Shuttle is a volunteer driven van available to assist seniors with grocery shopping and small day trips. Sorry we don’t do medical appointments. We are currently offering weekly shopping trips to various locations in Placerville and Cameron Park. In addition, we are offering a shopping excursion to East Bidwell and WinCo Foods in Folsom. The service has a suggested donation of $2.00 for local trip service to and from your home, and $5.00 for trips outside of El Dorado County. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation today! **The Senior Shuttle is not wheel-chair accessible. Please call (530) 621-6369 (option #4) for questions and reservations.

MOVIE DAYEnjoy POPCORN and a MOVIE! Movies at the Placerville Senior Center every Friday. Movies start at 1:30 p.m in the Dining Room. Complimentary popcorn is provided.

Sept 1 Lion An Indian man, separated from his mother at age 5 and adopted by an Australian couple, returns home, determined to find his birth family. (1hr 58min) Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara

Sept 8 From the Rough In the 1980’s, Catana Starks, the first woman to coach a men’s NCAA sports team, turns TSU students onto golf. (1hr 37min) Starring: Tariji P. Henson

Sept 15 The Crown (TV Episodes 9&10) Elizabeth spends time with her old friend Porchey. Churchhill turns 80. Margaret and Peter are reunited. (1hr 56min)

Sept 22 Mr Church When a little girl and her mother retain the services of a talented cook, what begins as a six-month arrangement spans fifteen years. (1hr 45min) Starring: Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone

Sept 29 The Last Word Harriet is a retired businesswoman who wants to control everything, especially her legacy. (1hr 48min) Starring: Shirley MacLaine

For more information or to make a reservation on the Senior Shuttle, please call (530) 621-6369 (option #4).

Need Help With Your Computer?

Don is here to help with all your computer questions! Come by the Senior Resource

Computer Room, located in the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville.

Don is able to offer computer instruction and assistance to seniors 60 and over.

Don can help with PC hardware questions, Microsoft Windows, iPADs, iPhones, Word and

Excel. Please visit our Senior Resource Computer Room on Friday’s from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No

reservations necessary and drop-ins are welcome. For questions, please call (530) 621-6150.

Senior News4

Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead, But You Can!It’s National Preparedness Month and what better time to plan ahead for emergencies or natural disasters. Learning how to respond during an emergency and knowing what to do when a disaster happens will help your family, friends and neighbors. Let’s get started! Each week in September, choose at least one activity to be better prepared. YOU CAN DO THIS!Week One: September 1-9 – Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and FriendsMake an emergency plan that also includes an evacuation plan. Remember your pets. Personal preparedness improves your ability to recover from a disaster.-- Sign up for El Dorado County’s Office of Emergency Services alert system –CODE RED ready.edso.orgWeek Two: September 10-16 – Plan to Help Your Neighbors and Community-- Sign up to take a First Aid or CPR class. Learn how to help yourself and others until help can arrive.-- Who do you count on? Who counts on you? Create a Personal Support Network of friends, neighbors and family.Week Three: September 17-23 – Practice your Plans-- Plan how you would respond to the kind of disasters that may occur where you live or places you may travel. Would they include thunderstorms, floods, wildfire or earthquakes? -- Pick a date to practice your plan. Involve everyone in your family. When you practice your emergency plan in advance of an emergency, you and your family will be more resilient in an actual disaster. Week Four: September 24-30 – Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger-- Share preparedness information where you live. Talk with your neighbors, family and friends, your faith community or volunteer organizations.-- Join a volunteer agency that you want to help like El Dorado County Animal Services, the Red Cross or your local Fire Safe Council.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE A KIT, HAVE A PLAN, AND BE INFORMED & MORE! - Visit El Dorado County Emergency Preparedness & Response www.edcgov.us/Preparedness/ Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/edcpreparedness

What if I’m Forgotten?At a recent dementia care partner support group, a woman shared:

Caring for a person with dementia is difficult, but certain issues are the most heartbreaking. First on that list is the idea of not being recognized by the person with dementia. It is common for people with dementia to not remember the name of a person with whom they live and have known for decades. They might even think of a spouse as a parent or confuse a child with a sibling. When this happens, it is important for care partners to remember that language is often damaged in dementia. Thinking of the right word or name tends to be the hardest part of language.

Many times, people with dementia are simply unable to state the correct name and really haven’t forgotten a loved one. In other situations, people with dementia can lose the ability to recognize shapes that they see. This makes it very hard to match the shape of the face of a loved one to their memories of that person. In other instances, people with dementia can have momentary confusion related to stress, fatigue, issues in the setting or missing cues. This would be similar to anybody seeing their postal carrier at the grocery store out of her uniform and not be able to identify her. The man mentioned above was likely experiencing this – after doing paperwork with his wife for an extended time was either tired or confused enough to not recognize her at that moment. Families and friends can assist people with dementia in these issues by never asking “Do you know who I am?” That puts the person on the spot and

The other day, my husband turned to me and said, “Have you seen my wife?” We had spent the last three hours working on paperwork so I thought he was playing around. I joked back and said, “I’m not sure, why don’t you call her?” Sure enough, he picked up his cell phone and dialed my number. Still wondering if he was teasing me, I watched his surprised reaction as my phone starting ringing. When I picked up the phone and said “Hi honey, what’s up?” His scared and confused look confirmed that he really wasn’t recognizing me. My heart sank as I wondered what this meant for us….

Forgotten cont. on page 8

Sweet SeptemberWe’re almost there…nearing the end of summer and happily welcoming the climate change the Fall season brings.

That’s right, September 22nd is in fact the official “first day” of Fall. It’s almost bittersweet. Sure, I crave the cooler crisp air, the beauty of the foliage boasting orange, yellow, and red hues, but bidding farewell to the long days of summer and preparing for the early sunsets is a little

tougher to get excited about. The upcoming season reminds me of baking. The prelude to holiday “sweet treats” that cause us to dread the expanding waistline to come. But, what if I told you there are lower calorie alternatives to what goes into those sugar-filled treats? Are they safe for consumption? Let’s get the skinny on the latest no calorie sweeteners.

As a kid I distinctly remember the “pink” stuff my grandmother used

to put in her coffee also known as “Sweet n Low” or saccharin.

Funny how much changes in just a few decades! Now we have aspartame (“Equal”), sucralose (“Splenda”), and introducing Stevia! While the original “artificial” sweeteners where just that, Stevia is deemed “all natural” originating from a whole plant in the sunflower family. It is antioxidant-rich and dates back over 200 years! In fact, back then, leaves of this

plant were often chewed for their sweet taste, used to sweeten beverages and medicine.

Although the FDA hasn’t defined it as “natural”, it has been reviewed by over 200 medical studies, including the Whole Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives who all agree that it is generally safe for human consumption. In fact, they even went so far as to establish an “Acceptable Daily Intake” that is equivalent to 40

Senior Nutrition 5

Sweet cont. on page 9

Western Slope Activities6

Senior Hikers...Tuesday, September 12th-- Trestle Trail in Grizzly Flats. John L. (530) 621-0804.

Tuesday, Septmber 26th-- Granite Lake from Passe’s Resort. Peggy (530) 622-9439.

For hikes wear hiking shoes, bring lunch, water, bug spray, hiking stick, and usual necessities. Hikes are usually five miles max, unless noted. Meet at the Placerville Senior Center at 7:30 a.m.

Things to Do!Qigong Excercise Class held on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center.

Senior Trips...All trips, unless otherwise noted, include AllWest Transportation, tickets, lunch & driver gratuities. For more information, (530) 621-6255.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...TRIP PREVIEWS COMING UP!Alamo Travel Cruises-Monday, September 18th, 2017, Placerville Senior Center, 1:00-2:30 p.m. and El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 3:00-4:30 p.m.Europes Rivers & Castles Cruise

and Land Tour and Colonol Charms Cruise-Crystal Line.

Collette Travels-Tuesday, October 31st, 2017, Placerville Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. Tours: Spotlight on Tuscany, Mackinac Island, Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park, Australian Outback and Glaciers, The Great Smoky Mountains, and Christmas on the Danube. Mini highlight on Sunny Portugal and India.

Antique Society-Sebastopol-September 27, 2017. Shopping fun at the Antique Society. Lunch at the Bumblebee Cafe. $95 pp.

Fleet Week-October 7, 2017.

$175 pp. Few spots left.

Mare Island-October 30, 2017. Tour the first US Naval installation of the west coast, museums and chapel, catered lunch included. $100 pp.

Sea of Poinsettias-November 27, 2017. Tour of Duarte’s Poinsettia Farm, buffett lunch and tour/tasting of Sciabica Olive Oil Company. $95 pp.

The Unbelievables Christmas Extravaganza-December 5-6, 2017. Reno Overnight accommodations at the El Dorado Casino Hotel , reserved show seats, breakfast & dinner buffet. $210/dbl-$250/single.

Community Activities 7

South Lake Tahoe

9 a.m. Pool Exercise 12 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Mah Jong

9 a.m. Pool Exercise10 a.m. Open Art Studio10:45 a.m. Fitness Class12 p.m. Lunch12:45 p.m. Duplicate Bridge1:30 p.m. Pottery Class

9 a.m. Pool Excercise10 a.m. Line Dance10 a.m. Quilters Group

12 p.m. Lunch1 p.m. Painting 1:15 p.m. Social Bingo

9 a.m. Pool Exercise 9:30 a.m. Men’s Bridge 12 p.m. Lunch

9 a.m. Pool Exercise10:45 a.m. Fitness Class12 p.m. Lunch1 p.m. Party Bridge

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

El Dorado County Senior Services-For a complete list of services available in El Dorado County, please call the Senior Information and Assistance Program at (530) 621-6369 or (800) 510-2020.

Caregiver Support Group-2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7 p.m., SLT Senior Center. Contact Penny (530) 541-2304.

Widowed Persons Association of California, South Lake Tahoe Chapter – (530) 542-4912. Meets the last Sunday of the month,1 p.m. Call for location and other meeting times.

Bingo meets the 2nd Saturday at 5:30 p.m. SLT Senior Center.

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center

EL DORADO HILLS GILMORE CENTER For reservations or meeting details, please call (916) 358-3575 or www.edhcsd.org -Some fees apply, not a complete list of activities. 9/5- What is SIR’s? with Rich Turoff 1pm9/7- How to Make the Golden Years the Happiest Possible, 1pm9/9- CHP Age Well Drive Safe Program Saturday 9am-12pm9/12- Senior Peer Counseling Presentation 1pm9/14- Calling all Fashionistas- Women’s Fashion Show w/Chico’s 1pm9/15- Creating Photo Memory Books & Digital Scrapbooking 9am-12:30pm 9/15- National Senior Center Month BBQ and Dance Party 4:30pm 9/19- Sundae’s with Sheriff 1pm9/19- Pay Less in Social Security with Bill Corley 6:30-8pm9/26- Medicare Update with Eileen Baughn 1pm9/29- You Have Photos? We Have Solutions! 9:30am-12pm

CAMERON PARK CSD-Mature AdultsFor more information call (530) 677-2231 or www.cameronpark.org- Senior Nutrition Lunch Program -Monday and Friday served at Noon Bridge every Monday at 1pm & Wednesday at 9:30am9/5 – Modified Zumba (every Tues/Thurs at 9am)9/8 – Smart Phone Camera and Texting Basics Class 12:30pm9/12 – Brain Health Activities -10:30am / BINGO - 1pm9/13 – Master Gardeners - Oak Trees - 9am-12pm9/14 – Tai Chi for Better Balance (every Tues at 1:30pm)9/14 – Medicare 101 – 10am-11:30am 9/16 – Community Clean-up Day & Yard Sale 8am 9/21 – Gift Card Play Day – 10:15am – 12pm9/23 – Trucks & Tunes, Christa McAuliffe Park - 3-8pm 9/25 – Game Day sponsored by Cameron Park Newcomers - 10am

CheCk Out these Other ACtivities Being Offered in YOur COmmunitY

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTSPlacerville Certified Farmers Market--Every Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the Ivy Street Parking Lot on Main Street.

September 9, 2017--Automotive Excellence Annual Car Show and Family Fun Day--Customs, Classics, and work in progress all welcome. There will be food, music, raffle prizes, cake contest and walk, putting contest, monster slide and vendors. Free admission. Located at 4600 Missouri Flat Rd, Placerville.

September 9, 2017--Marshall Women’s Health and Wellness Expo and 5k. 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Grab your girlfriends and join us at El Dorado Hills Town Center for fun and fitness including a 5K run/walk, health screenings and health demonstrations by Marshall Medical Center experts. To register go to www.MARSHALLWOMENSHEALTH.COM. For more details on this awesome event check out our flyer at

September 16, 2017--MORE Car Show & Chili Cookoff. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.--Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc. (MORE) is hosting it’s 17th annual Chili Cook Off and Classic Car Show. Join us at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.We expect 30 competitors eager to prove to you they are the chili masters, all while browsing over 200 of the most beautiful classic cars out there! Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person, $5 for children. All proceeds benefit adults with disabilities.

September 24, 2017--Antique Street Faire. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Placerville - The Annual Antique Street Faire closes Main Street to host antiques & collectibles peddlers for this popular event. Food, refreshments, and more. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association: www.placerville-downtown.org

Senior News8

SCAM OF THE MONTH

Don’t be Scammed by Cancer Charities

In the spring of 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged four national cancer charities

(the Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services, the Children’s Cancer Fund of America and the Breast Cancer Society) with scamming

consumers out of $187 million. In order to avoid these scams, be sure to check the charity’s rating

on charitynavigator.org. Before giving cash to door to door solicitors or to telemarketers, ask for the

charity’s information so that you can research their cause before donating. The best thing that you can do to avoid being scammed is to be wary and trust

your gut. Source: www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraudKristen Armstrong, Senior Legal Services

the direct question can stress them. Instead, it is best for friends or family members to casually “introduce” themselves each time they meet the person with dementia, “Hi mom, it’s Susan.” Additionally, it can be helpful to frame old photos of children or grandchildren alongside of a current picture with a caption, for example: “Jane as a child/ Jane now.”

There are situations where people with dementia have lost memories about chunks of their lives. If they are unable to remember raising their children or getting married then it will not make sense to them that they have adult children or a spouse. At those times, it is more important for loved ones to observe how happy the person with dementia still is and how they are still loved. Stepping into whatever role the person with dementia sees their loved one is important to still have quality time together.

The Placerville and El Dorado Hills Adult Day Centers offer daytime programs and support groups for people with dementia and their families. Call (916) 358-3560 or (530) 621-6180 for more information.

Forgotten cont. from page 4

El Dorado County 2017 Flu Clinics Low cost seasonal flu vaccine - $10 fee per vaccine; no one will be denied service due to inability to pay – Cash or check accepted - No appointment needed – Individuals must be six months of age or older to receive flu vaccine

Western Slope

October 3rd--1:30 - 4:30 p.m. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Organ Room 100 Placerville Drive

October 4th-- 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Somerset, Pioneer Park, 6740 Fairplay Road

October 10th-- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Cameron Park Fire Station 89, Conference Room, 3200 Country Club Drive

October 19th--2 – 4 p.m. El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85, Conference Room, 1050 Wilson Boulevard

October 25th-- 2 – 4 p.m. Grizzly Flats Community Church, 5061 Sciaroni Road

November 2nd-- 2 – 4 p.m. Diamond Springs Fire Station 49, Conference Room, 501 Main Street

November 4th-- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Georgetown Divide Wellness Center, 6065 Highway 193

November 7th-- 2 – 4 p.m. Pollock Pines Community Church, Evergreen Room, 6361 Pony Express Trail

November 30th-- 2 – 4 p.m. Garden Valley Fire Station 51, 4860 Marshall Road

South Lake Tahoe Basin

September 27th, October 5, October 19-- 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard

October 12th-- 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Bijou School Teacher’s Lounge, 3501 Spruce Avenue

October 25-- 3 – 6 p.m. Bijou School Teacher’s Lounge, 3501 Spruce Avenue

Senior News 9

Sweet cont. from page 5packets of this sweetener a day.

So how can this sweetener that is 200-350 times sweeter than table sugar be “calorie free”? Like its competitors, Stevia too is poorly absorbed by the body. It bypasses our gut and heads straight for the colon, impairing its digestion. The downside to the way these non-sugars are metabolized? It may actually change our gut flora by killing off beneficial probiotic populations which in turn can affect our overall gut health and regularity.

Remember, our gut is the gateway to our immune system, combating infection, fighting disease, and even reducing obesity. This may also explain why some people, myself included, get a stomachache when consuming no calorie sweeteners. One other downside some people experience is a bitter aftertaste, but neither are universal to all.

In closing, Stevia could potentially offer health benefits related to improvements in diabetes, heart disease, food allergies, dental health, cancer, and even seizure disorders! However, the jury is still out on one underlying theme of all no calorie sweeteners whether they are “man-made” or “plant based”. Personally, if your gut can take it and you aren’t bothered by the aftertaste, it is considered generally safe at this point in time and it could be a great sugar alternative for diabetics and those looking to lower their overall sugar consumption. As added bonus, it is available in liquid or powder form and can be used as a substitute for sugar when making those pre-holiday treats this month!

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions for future articles? Send me an email at foodrdnatalie@gmail.com

Nutrition notes by Natalie

Medicare covers a variety of heath care services that you can get in the comfort and privacy of your home. These include intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, and occupational therapy.

Such services used to be available only at a hospital or doctor’s office. But they’re just as effective, more convenient, and usually less expensive when you get them in your home.

To be eligible for home health services, you must be under a doctor’s care and receive services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a physician. He or she also needs to certify that you need one or more home health services. In addition, you must be homebound and have a doctor’s certification to that effect.

Being homebound means leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition, or your condition keeps you from leaving without using a cane, wheelchair or walker; special transportation; or getting help from another person.

Also, you must get your services from a

Medicare-approved home health agency.If you meet these criteria, Medicare pays for covered home health services for as long as you’re eligible and your doctor certifies that you need them.

For durable medical equipment (like a walker or wheelchair), you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount.

Skilled nursing services are covered when they’re given on a part-time or intermittent basis. In order for Medicare to cover such care, it must be necessary and ordered by your doctor for your specific condition. Medicare does not cover full-time nursing care.

Skilled nursing services are given by either a registered nurse or a licensed practical

nurse under an RN’s supervision. Nurses provide direct care and teach you and your caregivers about your care. Examples of skilled nursing care include: giving IV drugs, shots, or tube feedings; changing dressings; and teaching about prescription drugs or diabetes care.

Before your home health care begins, the home health agency should tell you how much of your bill Medicare will pay. The agency should also tell you if any items or services they give you aren’t covered by Medicare, and how much you’ll have to pay for them.

This should be explained by both talking with you and in writing. The agency should give you a notice called the Home Health Advance Beneficiary Notice before giving you services and supplies that Medicare doesn’t cover.

What is NOT covered? Some examples:• 24-hour-a-day care at home• Meals delivered to your home• Homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry (when this is the only care you need, and when these services aren’t related to your plan of care)

How Medicare Covers Home Health Services

Health cont. on page 11

Senior News10

Adult Day Center Caregiver Support Groups/MeetingsAfter a while, providing care to a relative or close friend with a chronic health condition, such as dementia, can take its

toll. Join us to gain support and insight.

“My Time” Caregiver GatheringFriday, September 1st from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

location: Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street. For more information, please call (530) 621-6180.

El Dorado Hills Support Group

“My Time EDH” Support group for care partners of people with dementia. The next meeting will be September 28th, 10:30 a.m.- Noon. Free respite care is provided during My

Time. For questions, (916) 358-3560.

The Divide Caregiver Support

This Caregiver Support Group is for persons who are caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend and wish to receive

pratical tips and information on how to make their caregiving journey successful. Group meets the 2nd Tuesday afternoon

of each month. 2:30-4:00 p.m. Greenwood Community Center, 4401 HWY 193-next to CCC. Please call (530) 621-

6192 for more information.

Senior Peer CounselingOffers counseling services to adults 55 years or older

enabling them to make choices and changes for personal growth. For more information, call (530) 621-6304.

Telephone Reassurance ProgramThe You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program is a FREE

telephone calling service that provides daily phone calls to seniors. For more information, call (530) 621-6255.

Commission on Aging

The El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging has a

Commission on Aging (COA) that serves as an Advisory

Board to the County Board of Supervisors. The 14 members of the COA are appointed and

represent all parts of the county. Various committees work hard

to recommend services that help seniors survive in this ever more

complicated world we live in.

www.2nd50yrs.org

For more information about the COA or for a schedule of

upcoming meetings, please call (530) 642-4833.

Department of Human ServicesMeetings and Programs

In many people’s minds, fall doesn’t exactly strike them as being one of the “healthiest” seasons. Once the shorter days and cooler weather are in full swing, all those fun summer activities tend to get replaced with work, school, and lots of TV shows premiering for the new season.

Here are just five unexpected health benefits the fall season has to offer:

1. Cracking a window open to let the cool air in at night can help supercharge your sleep.According to a study, healthy men who slept in a room set at a temperature of 66 degrees ended up increasing their stores of “brown fat” — a metabolically active type of good fat that helps get rid of excess blood sugar and burn calories.

2. Simply looking at the changing colors of the fall leaves may improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed.Regina Zopf, MD suggests that when you experience beauty — like the changing fall colors, for example -- the medial orbitofrontal

cortex part of your brain is activated, which is the same area that contains your strongest thinking functions and your relaxation response center.

3. Catching the scent of certain fall foods and spices can benefit your brain.The scent of cinnamon has been shown to sharpen people’s minds. And peppermint, is another powerful scent that may help boost energy and help you concentrate.

4. Your hormonal responses to the change of season may lead to an enhanced sex life.In a study that tracked the testosterone levels year-round in both men and women, fall ended up being the season when this sex hormone was at its highest.

5. Cold and cloudy weather clears your mind and boosts your memory. A study involving two groups of shoppers who were exposed to a combination of 10 impulse buyer items on different weather days. It showed those tested on a cloudy and rainy day showed better memorization results.

Five Ways the Fall Weather Benefits You!By Elise Moreau

Senior Times 111

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937 Spring Street, Placerville, CA 95667

2017 PLACERVILLE ELKS

VETERANS STAND DOWNSeptember 30, 2017

El Dorado County Fairgrounds

Free information and services open to all Veterans in need

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Breakfast & Lunch for Veterans

Contact: (530) 622-8637

EMAIL: paradocs@directcon.net In coorperation with El Dorado County

Veterans Groups

your plan’s membership materials. Contact the plan for details about how the plan provides your Medicare-covered home health benefits.

If your doctor decides you need home health care, you can choose from among the Medicare-certified agencies in your area. (However, Medicare Advantage or other Medicare plans may require that you get services only from agencies they contract with.) One good way to look for a home health agency is by using Medicare’s “Home Health Compare” web tool, at www.medicare.gov/HHCompare. It lets you compare agencies by the types of services they offer and the quality of care they provide.

For more details on Medicare’s home health benefit, please read our booklet, “Medicare and Home Health Care.” In El Dorado County you can get answers to your Medicare questions by talking with a registered HICAP counselor (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Services are free, unbiased and available by appointment in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe. Call El Dorado County at (530) 621-6369. Adapted from article by Greg Dill, Medicare Regional Administrator for California.

Health cont. from page 9

POETRY FOR ALL

Disclaimer: Any listed Community Events and Meetings and any other non-County events listed in the Senior Times are not represented or provided by El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Agency. For information regarding events, dates, locations, etc., please call the organization directly. Thank You.

Placerville Fellowship and NewcomersOpen to all newcomers and residents of El Dorado

County. Luncheon meeting is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. (530) 344-9209.

Stroke Education and Support GroupMeets at 681 Main Street, room 208,

Placerville 4th Wednesday of each month, Brown Bag Lunch – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. For more

information, (530) 626-2642.

Widowed Persons Association“The Widowed Persons Assoc. of CA” (WPAC) meets monthly for lunch. This is an opportunity for widowed men & women to take part in social activities. For more information, (530) 626-4662.

Golfers!! Bowlers!! RVrs!! Fishers!! SIR is a non-profit organization of men retired from full time employment. We have a monthly luncheon

meeting and a guest speaker. No dues. For more information, (530) 644-1405.

Community Meetings

Senior TimesNon - Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PaidPlacerville, CA 95667Permit No. 293Return Service Requested

Poetic License, a poetry read-around, Saturday, September 23rd from 2-4 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free. Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen.

Poetry in Motion, a poetry read-around, Monday, September 25th from 6-7 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free.

Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen.

6th Annual

Wine in the Vines Join us for a lovely evening at the charming

Sierra Vista Vineyard & Winery 4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville, CA

Saturday, September 16, 2017 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Serving select Sierra Vista wines Light refreshments by Diane Wilkinson, Live music by Hickory Wind

Drawings for fabulous gift baskets and a Giving Tree

$25.00 per person - limited capacity

Mail check to: Friends of Seniors P.O. Box 564, Placerville, CA 95667 Or purchase tickets online at: www.friendsofEDCseniors.org

For more information call: 530-334-6090

FRIENDS OF SENIORS is a private, non-profit organization supporting wellness, life enrichment, dignity and independence of El Dorado County seniors and their caregivers

through advocacy and financial assistance.