Idaho - Boise and the Treasure Valley

The need for hospice services for military veterans has never been greater, but often those who were the first to answer our nations call for help are among the last to seek help when they need it. Today, more than 37 percent of the veteran population is 65 years or older. More than 1,800 veterans die every day, but most veterans still die in their communities only 4% occur in Veterans Administration facilities. There are many reasons why veterans do not seek end-of-life care. A culture of stoicism might prevent veterans from admitting to being in pain, or from asking for pain medication. Some may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with symptoms that can include social isolation, alcohol abuse, and anxieties. However, much of avoided care comes down to education. The benefits of hospice care can meet the special needs these brave men and women have at the end of life. VA and hospice programs have learned a critical lesson in caring for dying veterans: A patients military service history is highly relevant to providing the most appropriate, personalized end-of-life care. Although hospices routinely ask and record their patients age, family make-up, racial/ethnic group and religion at the time of enrollment, far too few ask about service status. But they should. There may be health coverage and benefit issues, if the veteran is enrolled at a local VAMC or would like to be, along with burial and other benefits. When seeking hospice care for a veteran, it is important to ask about services that will meet his or her specific needs based upon the timeframe of service. Some hospices have developed care programs specifically designed for the conflict the veteran served in, such as World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Some also have specially trained volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, to assist with care and comfort. This gives the patients a level of comfort knowing that those who are taking care of them have been through many of the same things they have. For some veterans, the effect of combat experience may remain buried for years, emerging only when they are very sick and dying. Finding the right end-of-life care can make all the difference. Hospice is a choice to live life to its fullest, empowering patients and their families to redefine hope in the last months of life. Finding a hospice that has made it its goal to care for veterans is another way to honor their sacrifice. -Devin Limb is Executive Director of United Hospice in Meridian.

Getting Help Paying for Long Term CareLast month a woman came into our office and told us that her husband, who was paying thousands of dollars a month for long term care, had been denied for Medicaid because the couples life savings (that they held in an annuity) was too much and they would have to cash the annuity out and spend most of the money before Medicaid would help, leaving little for the wife to live on.  We explained that was not necessarily true, and we contacted the annuity company to make some important changes to the annuity. Her husband was approved for Medicaid within a few weeks, even the couple still had the same amount of savings.    Many families find it difficult or impossible to pay the high monthly cost of long term care.  It can be especially difficult when one spouse needs long term care but the couple is hesitant to spend all the life savings on that spouses care when the healthier spouse may have many years of life left.  However, it is possible to get help paying for care without becoming impoverished; but it is crucial to know how to qualify and use that help to your advantage.  For veterans and their spouses there is a program often called Aid and Attendance that helps veterans, and their spouses pay for long term care.  Currently, a married veteran paying for nursing home care may qualify for up to $2,642.83 per month from the VA to help pay for that care.  To qualify, in most situations a veteran needs to have served only 90 days of active duty, one day of which was during a period of war and cannot have had a dishonorable discharge.  A veteran does not need to have a service-connected disability to qualify.There are rules about assets and income to qualify for a VA Aid and Attendance pension.  Often, veterans are told they dont qualify when they make an initial inquiry to the VA.  However, before giving up, it is important that a family consult a VA accredited elder law attorney to check whether there is anything the veteran can do to change the financial situation and become eligible for the pension.  A good advisor may be able to help the family make changes to become eligible.Medicaid also has a program to help seniors pay for long term care.  Like the VA pension above, Medicaid has strict rules about assets and income.  However, Medicaid also has rules that can be used to the advantage of the person needing long term care.  Even if you have think your loved one does not qualify for any help, you must consult with an elder law attorney to see if anything can be done to help your loved one before they become impoverished.  In the story above, we used the Medicaid rules to help the womans husband qualify before the money was gone.There are many myths and misconceptions about long term care and how to pay for it.  There are resources available to help pay for care, but you must plan appropriately to make sure that you can get the help you need. However, even if you havent planned ahead, dont give up just because a friend or even a professional tells you cannot get any help.  People often get bad advice in this area; find an elder law attorney near you that can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.David J. Wilson, J.D., L.L.M., CELABoard Certified Elder Law Attorney, VA AccreditedJoshua C. P. Reams, B.A., J.D., NAELA Elder Law Attorney, VA Accredited

As nearly 200,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds across the nation can attest, the rewards of belonging to a Garden Club go far beyond the pure pleasure of growing things. Joining a local Garden Club is a great way to green your thumb, but a membership also provides an opportunity to expand your interests and build lifelong friendships while bettering your community and the environment. A Garden Club will give you access to people who are experienced in gardening in your locality and you will find their assistance in valuable. Our National Garden Clubs Conservation pledge is: I pledge to protect and conserve our natural resources of planet earth and to promote education so that we may become caretakers (stewards) of our air, water, forest, land and wild life. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is a 501 3 nonprofit educational organization and a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is state wide organization associated with the Pacific Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. has fifteen Garden Clubs and almost 500 members. Seven of the Garden Clubs are located in the Treasure Valley. Activities of our clubs include civic beautification funded through grants, charitable donations, and fundraising. Clubs annually sponsor horticulture education and seminars and regularly organize presentations about landscaping, cultivating and growing a wide variety of plants and vegetation. In addition we award annual scholarships to students for the study of horticulture. Flower Show Judges Schools and Landscape Design Schools are offered to our members. Clubs also compete for State, Regional and National awards on a regular basis. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. encourages anyone interested in becoming a member of a Garden Club to contact any of the Garden Cubs listed below or the State Membership Chairman, Janet Petersen at janetnpeter@gmail.com. Go on; why not give it a try. Oct. 2013 Southwest District Garden Clubs of Idaho Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. State President: Karen Mallon 208-853-6108 mallonkl@gmail.com Ada Gardeners President: Beth Suhr 208-375-9310 bethstamp28@gmail.com Golden Garden Club President: Karen Mallon 208-853-6108 mallonkl@gmail.com Long Valley Gardeners President: Jan Morrison 208-382-5613 idasambaho@yahoo.com Merry Tillers Garden Club President: Maggie Williamson 208-871-2718 maggiewilliamson@mac.com Nampa Garden Club President: Cynthia Borron 208-899-6521 cynthiaborron@netzero.net Owyhee Gardeners President: Judy MacKenzie 208-896-4441 trublecumin@gmail.com Payette Valley Gardeners President: Maxine Walker 208-642-6686

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!