All Posts in "Month: June 2016"

Listen to the news and check out all that is going on around the world. It makes me sometimes wonder why go through all the hoops in order to travel.

I love to travel. I love to meet new people in new places and learn about them and what they do. I have always had a curiosity about things outside my normal pattern. Now I am learning that there are ways to make my travels more comfortable.

It is only a matter of months before your Washington driver’s license will not be enough ID to get you onto an airplane. You will need either an enhanced ID or a passport in order to do this. So take care of it now.

An Enhanced ID is just a fancy driver’s license that shows proof you have a passport and/or are definitely a U.S. citizen. You will need proof of citizenship (passport, certificate of naturalization, official birth certificate), proof of identity (driver’s license, passport); proof of residence (driver’s license, homeowner insurance policy, home utility bill, mortgage documents, property tax form;.take a couple different things). The cost is an additional $30 over your regular license fee. You can use this to drive or cruise into Canada or Mexico, as well as to board a plane.

I  also applied for a TSA Pre-Check number. This lets you go through the faster line at the airport. You don’t have to take off your jacket or your shoes; and your plastic sack with creams, ointments, liquids, etc. can stay in your bag.  Things are just easier and the lines are shorter.

In order to obtain this, you must take proof of citizenship (passport, enhanced license, original birth certificate) and head out to the IdentoGOCenter. I found one in  Fife.  First, just go on line to the TSA website and complete the application and obtain an appointment time..You can walk in without an appointment, but the appointment puts you in front of those people. Take your ID and $85 or your credit card. They will ask you some very basic questions and take your fingerprints. It all takes only a few minutes of your time and is well worth it in the long run. It is good for five years.

Remember, we have some great trips coming up, including September in Europe and hopefully January in Cuba. Stay in touch. For reservations and/or questions, call me at 253-927-8207 or e-mail me at linda.finch@gmail.com.

 

Linda Finch writes the Senior Adventures column.

srmedia by — June 28, 2016 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures

Most caregivers don’t receive the credit they deserve for their compassionate and caring work for seniors. While most don’t enter the healthcare field for the recognition, they do make a huge difference in the lives they touch.

For the 2016 All-Star Caregivers Recognition Dinner at The Weatherly Inn in Tacoma, the Heath Care Providers Council of Pierce County (HCPC) received 108 nominations of outstanding caregivers. Seven were chosen as recipients for this year’s award – Corinne Hinrichs, Estrella Cabiao, Cindy Harper, Katherine Austin, Laura Garcia, Leanne Martin and Renae Alderman.

“This is the fifth year that we have put this dinner on to honor caregivers in the community for their outstanding work,” said Kelly Chambers, owner of Visiting Angels, an in-home elder care provider. “I started the dinner when I was on the board of HCPC, and it has grown into an annual tradition.”

Most of the members of HCPC are executive directors, marketing directors and small-business owners involved in providing services to seniors.

The event is about honoring caregivers who provide direct care services to seniors in community settings, rehab facilities, adult family homes and private homes all over Pierce County.

 

Jim Bryant, who wrote this article, is a freelance photojournalist.

Kelly Chambers, an organizer of the All-Star Caregivers Dinner, takes a selfie group during the event that was held May 18. (Jim Bryant/for Senior Scene)
Kelly Chambers, an organizer of the All-Star Caregivers Dinner, takes a selfie group during the event that was held May 18. (Jim Bryant/for Senior Scene)
Contributing Author by — June 28, 2016 in Spotlight

Are you turning 65 soon? Want to know more about Medicare? Join Sound Outreach and the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) at any of the following Pierce County Library System branch for a free presentation from 1 to 3:30 p.m. titled “All Things Medicare:”

  • July 9, Tillicum, 14916 Washington Ave. SW. in  Lakewood.
  • July 23, Summit, 5107 112th St. E.
  • Aug. 13, Fife, 6622 20th St. E.
  • Aug. 20, Buckley, 123 S. River Ave.

Sound Outreach can be called at 253-596-0918 to register for a session. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Topics to be covered include Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare and your employer insurance, and when to sign up for Medicare.

srmedia by — June 28, 2016 in News

Linda Henry is clearly passionate about the importance of Puyallup being designated as an age-friendly city.

“This started out years ago with the AdvantAge Initiative and when we considered the importance of being an age-friendly community. This is where I elect to spend a lot of my volunteer hours,” she said.

Puyallup Area Aging in Community is an all-volunteer, non-profit charitable educational group. “Our purpose is to educate the community on aging issues,” said Henry.

On May 14 at Pierce College-Puyallup, “Blazing a Trail to Successful Aging” observed May as Older American Month and celebrated Puyallup’s successes at making the city age-friendly.

Doug Shadel, state director of AARP, presented Mayor John Hopkins with a proclamation stating that Puyallup has been designated as an AARP/WHO Age-Friendly City.

Puyallup is the first city to be awarded this distinction.

Hopkins said in order for Puyallup to qualify for this award, the city had to provide facilities and services that would show that it is an age-friendly city.

At this time, 14 percent of Puyallup’s population is over the age of 60.

Hopkins said AARP/WHO took into account Puyallup’s streets, and the fact that the crossings leave enough time for everyone to safely cross. They also acknowledged the Sound Transit Connector, the Puyallup Senior Activity Center, and many other factors.

“This is more of a promise than anything else because we are making a commitment to be conscious about our efforts to improve on what we are doing. In other words, this philosophy becomes imbedded in the (city’s) planning department, and they look at things with fresh eyes,” said Hopkins.

Speakers at the event included Dr. Roger Landry, a nationally recognized preventative medicine physician who spoke about successful aging in an age-friendly city, U. S. Rep. Denny Heck, and Shelley Schlumph, president of Puyallup-Sumner Chamber of Commerce.

Henry said AARP has designated eight domains that encapsulate the idea of being age-friendly. They include how accessible buildings are, streets, sidewalks and public transit options, as well as housing options for various life stages. The availability of accessible fun and social activities are important, as well as intergenerational activities. Also in consideration is how easy it is it for folks to continue working or participate in volunteer activities, and access and affordability of community health services.

This is a tall order for cities to manage, and Puyallup is proud to be the first city to receive this designation, Hopkins said.

He said in the future, the city would continue to look at everything through the filter of being an age-friendly.

“We will say, ‘Well, does that work for seniors? Is that going to improve transportation, medical availability and fitness activities?’” the mayor said.

Henry noted the designation is not only a congratulatory statement, but also complimenting Puyallup for its commitment.

“This is a process that is not in name only. This is a commitment to be really intent about making certain that we were working toward being an age-friendly city, and that also means being friendly to people of all ages. The vision statement envisions what the city will be in 2030,” she said. “Really if you think about it, Puyallup is blazing a trail with its age-friendly designation and also blazing a trail on how to age successfully.”

 

Joan Cronk, who wrote this article,

Dr. Roger Landry, Linda Henry, Puyallup City Councilwoman Heather Shadko and Mayor John Hopkins celebrated Puyallup's selection as an AARP/WHO Age-Friendly City. (Courtesy photo)
Dr. Roger Landry, Linda Henry, Puyallup City Councilwoman Heather Shadko and Mayor John Hopkins celebrated Puyallup’s selection as an AARP/WHO Age-Friendly City. (Courtesy photo)

is a freelance writer from Puyallup.

srmedia by — June 22, 2016 in News