Golden Years Guide 2012

Greater Lynchburg’s YOUR FREE 2012 - ‘13 Edition!

Reference For the Active 55+ Generationswww.Golden-Years-Guide.com

We’re All AmericAns!

neArby moonshiners… still(s) of interest!

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLYNCHBURG, VAPERMIT NO. 161

Local Activists Respecting Each Othermore on p.14

NIC

HO

LSPH

OTO

GR

APH

Y.B

IZRepublican (Tea Party) Democrat Republican Democrat

HOW TO CHOOSE...•a Home Care Agency•an Assisted Living Facility•a Rehab/Nursing Home

SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE

Remember When Life Was Simple?In a world full of choices, rely on the locally owned and operated

Piedmont Medicare Advantage PPO*. For the moments that count the most, Piedmont keeps it simple with:

Local Service & Assistance Your Hospitals & Physicians

Two Simple Options Low Premiums

For more information call:

Local 434-947-3671 • Toll-Free 1-877-210-1719 • TTY Users 1-877-295-1454

From 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Or visit our office 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

PIEDMONT COMMUNITYHEALTHCARE

* A Coordinated Care Plan with a Medicare Advantage Contract.

www.pchp.netH1659_PB CMS Approved 03302011

News & Advance

2 |

and Blue Ridge HeaRing aids & audiologycan Help you

hear it

lifesoundsgood

�� 434.509.4662��

audigyCertified™Providers��

Patients for Life™��

theMost advanceddigital hearingtechnology available��

invisible hearing devicesfor any Lifestyle��

Whatmakes Blue ridge hearing aids & audiologydifferent than any other hearing care provider?

� � ��

��

PATIENTS

FOR

Douglas Cameron, Au.D.Tammy Garber, Au.D.Carole Read, M.Ed.

in association with

toward a new digital two-device hearingsystem purchase.Cannot be combined with other promotionaldiscounts. Expires 12/31/2012.

$400CreditUPto

Dr. Timothy CourvilleDr. Joseph Hutchison

Dr. Graham GilmerDr. James Hengerer


hear it

lifesoundsgood

�� 434.509.4662��






� � ��

��

PATIENTSFOR


in association with


$400CreditUPto




hear it

lifesoundsgood

�� 434.509.4662��






� � ��

��

PATIENTS

FOR


in association with


$400CreditUPto




hear it

lifesoundsgood

�� 434.509.4662��






� � ��

��

PATIENTS

FOR


in association with


$400CreditUPto



| 3

The Best Decision We’ve Ever MadeMaintenance free living. Financial peace of mind. Twenty-four hour security. Healthcarefor life. Time for family and friends.

What else could we want? Things to do. We have those, too. A swim in the pool. Dinnerwith friends. An exercise class. A garden for planting. Trips and travelogues. A billiard game.A painting class. A nature trail for walking.

We’re busier now than we’ve ever been. Andoh, do we feel young again. We’re enjoying lifelike never before. We’ve discovered LifeRefreshed!

Start planning your future

and experience Life Refreshed.

Call Laura Hunter,

(434) 386-3305 or (800) 962-3520.

A LifeCare Retirement Community501 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503

www.wclynchburg.org

Experience Life Refreshed.Experience Life Refreshed.

BestDecision7.75x9.75Ad.4.12.GoldenYears _Layout 1 4/24/12 7:31 PM Page 1

4 |

Dear ReaderI hope you will find this 11th annual edition of GYG our most interesting (and

useful) yet!The two major stories, about current local political activists and not-so-current

legendary moonshiners, have been fun to deal with.Many don’t realize how influential the 65+ segment of the U.S. electorate is on

our politics, at all levels of government.It has been said by credible sources that people over the age of 65 vote much more

heavily than people below that age. In the midterm elections, people over the age of 65 voted about three times the rate of people who are 18 to 24.

This certainly makes sense in that many are retired (or semi-retired) and have the most free time to focus on issues and candidates and form an opinion. Also, seniors generally are more dependent on government and most vulnerable to policy changes.

I’m thankful for the friendly persistence of Amy Wilson, who finally convinced me to publish her timely article about moonshiners. Many of you have expressed an interest in local history, so you should also check out the article on page 18 about LynchburgHistory.com.

Please let me know of any suggestions or criticisms you may have about this GYG...and thanks to all for their support...especially the advertisers that make this publication possible.

Dan Curran

Volume 11 10,000 Circulation

Another production of

All-American Publications, LLCPublisher of Guidebooks, Maps, & Websites, for eight Virginia communities.

P.O. Box 4781 Lynchburg, VA 24502

To advertise in next year’s edition of Greater Lynchburg’s Golden Years Guide, please contact the publisher, Dan Curran:

Dan Curran: Phone: 434-455-2726 E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright 2012, All-American Publications LLC, Lynchburg, VA. All rights reserved. The reproduction of this Guide in any form is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. The information herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, there is no warranty, expressed or implied, made by the publisher regarding its accuracy.

ContentsFeatures

Departments

6

202224

28

25

33

27

3543

14

1618

Moonshiners… Still Interesting Tales From a Retired Virginia ABC Enforcement Agent

Reverse Mortgage Q & A

Independent Retirement Living Communities

Housing Options (Regional)

Choosing a Nursing/Rehab Facility

Choosing the Best In-Home Care

Social Security Update

Choosing An Assisted Living Residence

Funeral Planning

Important Phone Numbers

Local Activists… Positively Friendly Prominent Community Leaders Answer Questions

Viewing Lynchburg Years Past Thousands of Old Photos Online

It Takes a Village Rivermont-Boonsboro Village Allowing “Aging in Place”

Publisher & Editor Dan Curran

Assistant Editor Sharon Wright

Contributing Writers Amy Martin Wilson Sharon Wright

Graphic Designer Andrew Osborne

Account Executive Regina Dickerson

Greater Lynchburg’s 2012 - ‘13 Edition

Reference For the Active 55+ Generationswww.Golden-Years-Guide.com6

14

18

22

16

| 5

Currently our society seems to be knee-deep in the sub-ject of the moonshining of

earlier days. Three new books on the subject are soon to be published. In addition, a major motion picture en-titled Lawless is about to be released. In Rocky Mount, Virginia, an annu-al moonshiner’s re-enactment takes place every April. There have been several recent television shows (one filmed just south of Lynchburg) and exhibits of moonshine stills at museums in Amherst, Ferrum and Martinsville.

And in September 2012, a new exhibit opened at the Bedford Mu-seum and Genealogical Library.

The Urban Dictionary defini-tion: Moonshine is illegally dis-tilled homemade whiskey, usually with a very high alcohol content. It got its name because it was normally distilled at night “by the light of the moon.”

This was to avoid detection of the smoke from the fires used in pro-cessing the mash. Today, most mod-ern moonshiners are using smoke-less propane gas.

Although neighboring Franklin County has long been considered the moonshine capital of the world, closer to home we have seen our share of illegal stills, moonshiners, bootleggers, imbibers, revenuers, raids and arrests.

I am certain many readers of this article could add a few stories about moonshining, for everyone I mentioned the subject to spoke of knowing someone connected to “the business” at one time or another.

Making moonshine is an ancient art, practiced for many centuries. One old guy recently drawled “It gits in your blood”. Turning corn and other ingredients into distilled liquid spirits was one way for ru-ral folks to earn money, especially during the Great Depression, often in places where there was no other means - the only way to make money. In some cases it meant survival even if it meant breaking the law. The media has often stereotyped moon-shiners as barefoot, illiterate, lazy drunks wearing floppy hats, when in fact most were poor, hardworking farmers utilizing their home grown

products. Many felt it was their God-given right to use their prop-erty as they wished. But the govern-ment felt taxes should be collected on their product, just like the legal distilleries; hence, the conflict.

This article is not intended to glorify an illegal activity which has no doubt caused misery and suffering for some, but neverthe-less is a part of our history and culture. Obviously there was, and still is, a market for it - a big busi-ness. Since the beginning of 2012, several local raids have reportedly

By: Amy Martin Wilson

John Wright, former Director of the Enforcement Division of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control

MOONSHINING...Still(S) of intereSt

6 |

yielded hundreds of gallons of il-legal whiskey as well as hundreds of black pot stills, plus weapons and cash. On the other hand, today there are small turnip stills in basements and sheds, producing fruit brandy of a quality that would stun devo-tees of single malt Scotch.

There is a world of dif-ference between those small producers and the big time producers of 800 gallon black pot stills, who have no regard or concern for the quality of their product or the effect it has when it hits the streets.

Mr. John Moore Wright of Amherst is the former Director of the Virginia Al-coholic Beverage Control (ABC) Enforcement Division, headquartered in Lynch-burg, which covered the city and surrounding counties. He worked closely with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) personnel.

Born in 1941 in Lynchburg, he spent his first ten years in Roseland in Nelson County before moving to Amherst to the house in which he still resides. The Roseland home where his family had lived was com-pletely washed away during the 1969 flood, as was so much of that area.

“Roseland was never the same after that August night,” Mr. Wright states. “I helped with the body recov-ery, an experience I will never forget and still have dreams about it.”

His great grandfather, John I. Loving of Nelson County, fought in the Civil War, where he was cap-

tured, released, then captured a sec-ond time at Gettysburg and held there until the end of the war.

In 1980, the Lynchburg News and Advance ran an article on some ex-moonshiners from Amherst County, brothers Edd and Kyle

Cash. Mr. Wright was familiar with these brothers, having arrested them once, and has related to me many of his experiences from his days as a “revenuer,” some of which follow.

Names in some of the following cases have been changed to protect the innocent (and maybe the guilty). In these instances I have substituted some of the most common Ameri-can surnames per the 1990 Federal census. Any similarities to names of actual people living or dead are purely coincidental and unintended.

The Old Mountain Log Cabin“The Cash brothers, who had

never married, lived in a two room log cabin that was well over 100 years old, located on a small, clear creek full of native brook trout. They had no phone and no electric-

ity; they made do with oil lamps and a battery powered radio on which they listened to the news and coun-try music from the Grand Ole Opry.

“The walls of the kitchen were covered with old calendars and pic-tures of movie stars and country

music stars, probably price-less to today’s collectors. Their water supply was from a mountain spring, which ran into a spring house where they kept per-ishables. Their bath room was an outdoor privy. The closest neighbor was about four miles away.

“They lived off the land, raising gardens and hunting wild game; they were very adept at catch-ing fish from the streams.

Their sister would from time to time bring them staples such as flour, sugar, salt, coffee, etc. They never lacked for company; folks from as far away as Richmond would come up on weekends, camp out in their front yard and play blue grass music with them.

“Their father had written a moonshining song which Kyle loved to sing and play for me (Wright) on his five string banjo during my regular visits to them. They told me they never fooled with moonshin-ing, but I knew better and waited for a chance; I had to wait for sev-eral years, but finally caught them, which was my job.

“They had an old red rooster named ‘Mr. Red’ and an old brown hound named ‘Mr. Brown.’ I would

Lane Rakes, former moonshiner from Franklin County, Virginia

| 7

take Mr. Brown a dog biscuit or two every time I visited, and we became good friends. One day my partner and I rode up to see the Cash broth-ers but they were not at home. After a little snooping, we found the new path to their still and followed it. Mr. Brown was on watch duty, but I gave him his usual dog biscuit and he just laid there patting his tail and never barked. We found the still that day and I had to arrest the brothers. When we went to court, I told the judge the Cash brothers had caused me no problems. He fined them and then suspended the fine. Afterwards I remained friends with them until they both died.

“From time to time I go back up there to the little cabin to remi-nisce.”

During the 1980 interview with a newspaper reporter, the brothers

talked about their days of making moonshine, which they had learned from their father. They claimed they could tell good from bad moonshine and could tell what proof it was by just sniffing the jug!

If they suspected one of their stills had been found “we would just change hollers.” In any case, their

stills were always located miles from the cabin and they would walk there every day through the woods and over the mountains and valleys. They had a system for being alerted in case the law came around.

Just over the line in Nelson County, Massie Thompson, 73, an-other retired moonshiner and neigh-bor, cautioned folks against drinking moonshine made in steel instead of copper. “That stuff could kill you. The only one I’d drink is my own.” And he had made it since he was 15 years old, quitting he said in the mid-1930s.

Making Blackberry Brandy“Mr. Jones was a small-built man

- thin as a rail, not over 150 pounds - but he could run like a deer with a pack of redbone hounds on its tail.

He was always dressed in a pair of dirty blue jeans and a T-shirt that looked like it had not seen soap and water for weeks, if not months. His footwear was normally a pair of light-weight ladies’ tennis shoes

which wouldn’t hin-der his speed when he needed to get away in a hurry. Mr. Jones’ eyes had a cer-tain twinkle to them like he knew some-thing you didn’t and he probably did, for he was a master at being woods-wise and knowing how to make liquor and get away with it.

“His still was located about two miles from his house and the day we found it, it was in opera-tion. As we attempt-ed to set up around the still to enable us

to raid it, Jones saw or heard some-thing he didn’t like which made him suspicious and he immediately van-ished into the thick woods, not to be seen again. This still was destroyed and we chalked up a win for Mr. Jones.

“A year or so later, we located an apple brandy still that belonged to him, about five miles from his home, hidden in a thicket on the bank of a small creek. Each morning right at daylight, Jones would come driving slowly down the road in his rattle trap of a pick-up truck, checking

8 |

| 9

to see if everything was ok. After watching this operation for about three weeks, we decided we needed to slip in and see if we could deter-mine when it was going to be put

into operation. What a mistake that was! Little did we know that he was hiding in the woods watching his still to see if anyone was checking on it. When we started in, he saw us and off he went. There was no use to try and catch him because we hadn’t seen him do anything that was illegal. Besides we couldn’t have caught him anyway. Another win for Jones and another defeat for ABC and ATF.

“Another year went by and we finally got the break we had been looking for. We received a visit from an informant who had in the past made liquor with Jones but now was on the outs with him. He told us that Jones was going to make a run of blackberry brandy right in his back-yard up close to his house. My part-ner and I slipped in near his house and found a small copper still hidden in some overgrown weeds. The next morning at first light, Jones, his wife and two young sons came out of the house carrying buckets and headed across the road into a large field that was full of blackberry vines. At noon, they returned and dumped their buckets of blackberries into a large barrel that was located on the back porch. They resumed picking

until supper time, and they all con-tinued picking blackberries every day from sun up to sun down.

“Our surveillance lasted for 14 straight days, but we were deter-

mined to catch Mr. Jones. “On the 14th day, he picked

up the copper still that was in the tall weeds, took it to his yard and set it up on two cinderblocks. He then started bringing out five gal-lon buckets of fer-mented blackber-ry juice. He had poured one bucket into the still when he called to his wife and told her to bring out some dough to seal the cap. At that point, we knew we had him.

“He then told one of his boys to take the dog and check around some. The dog picked up our track and came directly to us and started barking. The kid fol-lowed and saw us lying there and yelled ‘Daddy, Daddy, the ‘dern’ law is out here.’

“With that announcement, Jones kicked the still off the cinder-blocks and blackberry juice went ev-erywhere, and as he started to run, I yelled for him to stop, that he was under arrest. After a few yards, he stopped and I handcuffed him. He

decided he didn’t want a jury trial and elected to have Judge William Sweeney determine his fate.

“Mr. Jones obtained one of the well-known lawyers from over in Rocky Mount, Virginia, who had been very successful in liquor cases in Franklin County. Jones was found guilty and received the maximum penalty which was three years.

“When Judge Sweeney sen-tenced him, Jones’ attorney defiant-ly jumped up in the courtroom and said “Your honor, a little ole still like this would probably be dismissed in Franklin County.” Judge Sweeney

looked down over his glasses at him and said emphatically, “Mister, you are not in Franklin County today!”

The Pretend Game Warden“Mr. White made illegal liquor

with his son and father. He liked to ride up and down the river on an old white sway backed horse, call-ing himself a game warden. Because he was usually armed with a pistol strapped to his side, most people were reluctant to fish in the area. He had a reputation far and wide for being an excellent bear hunter;

“One lenient, understanding judge agreed to let a convicted moonshiner out of jail once a day to go home to

feed his cows”

10 |

We’ve introduced Monitored Anesthesia Care which is a deep sedation given for our patient’s comfort. If you’re age 50, or if you’re African American and 45, it’s time for your screening colonoscopy. We offer the highest standard of care and comfort in our state-of-the-art endoscopy center. Contact us today to schedule your screening appointment.

Easy and Comfortable Colon Cancer Screenings

at Gastroenterology Associates

www.GastroCentralVA.com434-384-1862 • Toll Free: 800-245-0043

121 Nationwide Drive • Lynchburg, Virginia 24502

www.GastroCentralVA.com434-384-1862 • Toll Free: 800-245-0043

121 Nationwide Drive • Lynchburg, Virginia 24502

COLON CA

NCER

SCREE

N It... F

Ight It.

.. CuRE I

t!

COLON CA

NCER

SCREE

N It... F

Ight It.

.. CuRE I

t!

Charles J. Catalano, M.D.

Wei Hou, M.D.

Robert D. Richards Jr., M.D.

Chalmers M. Nunn, Jr., M.D. Brandy Fleischer, M.S.N., F.N.P.

Ralph M. Wisniewski II, M.D.

Tammy Perdue, M.S.N., F.N.P.

Loretta Maffei, M.D. , F.A.C.P. Larry E. Clark, Jr., M.D.

Barbara F. Williams, M.S.N., F.N.P.

AAAHC

Lisa Smith, M.S.N., F.N.P.-C.

| 11

he maintained a pack of good bear dogs and was known for the number

of bears he had killed.“During all my years of work-

ing stills and chasing violators, Mr. White was by far the fastest man I have ever seen. He could flat out fly through the woods, up-hill or down. I knew the day would come when I would have to try to catch him. That day came in the late ‘60s when my partner and I found the location of his still. The cap had been removed and it was obvious the Whites had just finished a run of liquor. We moved in and told them they were under arrest. Mr. White broke and ran straight up the side of the mountain and never slowed down. I didn’t even try to catch him. We cuffed the other two but had to wait to arrest Mr. White at his home late at night.

“They were all put on pro-bation and Mr. White later became a part time informant for me. He is now deceased.”

Northern Connections“Mr. Jackson was notably the best

brandy maker in Nelson County. His product was relished by many ‘up-per class’ folks on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. He came from a bootlegging family. His mother was the head of that liquor making busi-

ness and she was said to be mean as a rattlesnake. I know for a fact she

kept a shotgun and never hesitated to pull it on any agents who came around.

“Their apple brandy made its

way to Detroit, Chicago, and points north. A story was told about a guy in a bar in Detroit. Some-one asked him where he was from and he replied ‘Nelson County, Virginia.’ The guy from Detroit said,

‘Oh, yes, that’s where Mr. Jackson lives that makes that good apple brandy.’ ”

Legal DistilleriesMy grandfather Martin never

made or sold illegal liquor as far as I know, but one of his brothers made moonshine in Amherst County in the ‘30s. He kept his hooch in an outbuild-ing on the farm at the foot of Tobacco Row Mountain. My grandfather and

his son-in-law, Philip Sprin-kle, were in the whole-sale oil and gas business in Lynchburg, but Philip’s grandfather and several other relatives made illegal whiskey in notorious Wil-kes County, North Carolina. However, after prohibition, using their knowledge and expertise, they converted to the legal and prosperous manufacture of spirits. Oc-casionally an empty Sprin-kle Distillery jug shows up for sale on E-bay even to-day.

John Wright is now a retired active senior who stays busy hunting, fishing, doing yard work and train-ing his new puppy, Jake. He closely follows happenings in the world of moonshin-ing via computer and stays

in touch with his former colleagues. Mornings you can find him joining friends at a local deli for coffee. He said, “These old legs have carried me many a mile during my 31 years of chasing moonshiners and bootleg-gers, but I loved every minute of it.”

The mash fork was made by Lane Rakes. He retired from the profession in the ‘80s but now has been unofficially named “Mountain Man Moonshiner” by the Franklin County Historical Society. The fork was used to mix and stir the mash to prevent it from sticking or burning during the cooking process. His family has been making liquor since they immigrated to America from Ireland in the 1780s. A man of few words, when asked who hauled his moonshine, he said, “Mine was so good, people came to me.” When asked why he had never been caught, he said, “I just stayed one step ahead of ‘em.”

“One suspicious agent, seeing stacks of 100lb. sacks of sugar, asked the country store merchant why his

customers bought such large quantities. “I reckon they drink a lot of coffee.”

12 |

•Delicious&completemealsfordeliveryorpickupfromourWyndhurstlocation.

•Uncompromisingattentiontoqualityanddetail.

• Severalmenusandmanyoptionsavailable.

•Nocommitmentrequired.Youdecidewhenwecookforyou.

101NorthwyndCircle,SuiteCLynchburg

•Manyaffordablesolutions.

•Adelicious,healthychoice!

www.AtHomeGourmet.net

FRESH & HEALTHY…LET US COOK FOR YOU!

Delivery or Pick-Up! 434.239.8333

| 13

Forbidden topics for discussion at friendly gatherings are politics and reli-gion because both address our beliefs and values, not just recent news or events. In this election year, The Golden Years Guide dared to ask questions of local activists, who then agreed to pose amicably for our cover photo. No war broke out, and the friendly repartee that marked the session might best exemplify the strengths of our American political system.

Participants in our question-and-answer session were Wendell Walker, current 6th Congressional District Chairman and former Lynchburg Repub-lican Committee chair; Gerald Cheatham, Chair of the Lynchburg Democratic Committee; George Caylor, founder of the “Tea Time” radio program and chair of Education for the Lynchburg Tea Par-ty; and John Lawrence, former chair of the Lynchburg Democratic Committee.

Many voters note that our current federal government is failing us on mul-tiple levels, and some believe a multi-par-ty system might relieve the gridlock that has resulted from two parties that moved toward extremes in order to distinguish themselves rather than team up and com-promise to get things done. Parliamen-tary systems, common in Europe, give legislative representation proportional to the percentage of votes received by any participating party. Though in fact the U.S. has sprouted legitimate and active third-party candidates associated with Ross Perot’s Reform Party, the Green Party, the American Independent Party, or the Libertarian Party, only two parties still dominate American politics.

Those dedicated to one party will cite their alignment with party plat-form issues and values. Wendell Walker,

a lifelong Republican agrees with the principles he associates with the GOP: free enterprise, equal rights, individual responsibility, government fiscal respon-sibility, a strong national defense, and the importance of faith in God. George Caylor, who acknowledges that Demo-crats John F. Kennedy and Congressman Larry McDonald (both now deceased)

were true Constitutional Conservatives, nevertheless believes Republicans to be generally more conservative than Demo-crats. Gerald Cheatham, a lifelong Demo-crat, believes that his party has been and continues to be the party of civil rights, labor rights, healthcare, social security and more, and that it is more inclusive, tolerant, and open. John Lawrence, who admits that he hasn’t always voted strictly

along party lines, feels that the Democrat-ic Party is more the force of the working person and better represents those with-out money, property, and power.

While holding to one party, all admit some fault with their own while condemn-ing certain aspects of the other. Lawrence finds good in the Green Party’s similarity

to old-school Democratic ideals with its own mix of modern whole-earth think-ing; he feels that Democrats have got-ten too cozy with Wall Street in order to battle Republicans and have veered away from the concerns of their base constitu-ency. However, he holds back nothing regarding the current Republican Party as having cleansed itself of moderates in order to maintain power and gutting the middle class in order to consolidate power in the hands of the wealthy. Cay-lor admires the ideals of some of the other parties but recognizes that they haven’t enough traction to win an elec-tion. Cheatham criticizes the lack of in-clusion in the Republican Party for people who are different and is dismayed by the costly wars that tax the American econ-omy in unprecedented ways. But Walker finds fault with Democrats in general for their lack of fiscal restraint at all levels of government. Some think that a viable third party might force compromise more often and allow room for a greater variety of ideas, but admit that it’s not likely to appear in our current system.

Lawrence doesn’t reserve blame for the tone of current politics solely on the politicians; he says that negative advertis-ing works, perhaps because of the public’s short attention span and love of the sen-

sational. The others find that grave con-cern for the direction our country seems to be taking creates a more contentious atmosphere. According to Caylor, “As I look at our debt and moral decay, I fear for my grandchildren’s futures.” Cheatham says, “There is too much money in poli-tics today, and as a result, I think there are

“As I look at our debt and moral decay, I fear for my grandchildren’s futures.” George Caylor

Local Activists Positively Friendly!

From left: George Caylor, Tea-Party/Republican; Gerald Cheatham. Democrat; John Lawrence, Democrat; Wendell Walker, Republican… at Charley’s for lunch recently.

By: Sharon Wright

14 |

1604 Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502 www.BentleyCommons.com/Lynchburg

Your Comfort.Our Pleasure.

“Come for a Tour, Y ou’ ll stay for a lifetime!”

Whether you desire the luxuries of Independent Living or require the care of Assisted Living, Bentley Commons is the Premier senior community providing all the services and amenities of a five star resort! 3 restaurant-style meals daily • Housekeeping • Linen services • Wellness center & rehab services • Social & recreational activities • Scheduled transportation • Monthly rental, No buy-in fees • Full-service beauty salon

(434) 316-0207

good people that will not run for office be-cause raising money is not the thing most people wake up wanting to do all day.”

Our interviewees do not make up

their minds in a vacuum. All read and listen to respected sources and blogs and even talk with various representatives and candidates. Lawrence reports that he likes “history; you can understand the present easier if you know a bit of the past… Perspective and an over-arching viewpoint are important.” Caylor likes to weigh what our leaders are doing against the words of the Constitution.

Regarding citizens who refuse to vote, Cheatham finds this most distressing on

the local level where just a few votes can determine an election. Walker holds to the saying that “If you don’t vote, don’t complain” and encourages anyone who

feels that one vote is not enough to get involved with a Party: “Go to meetings, conventions, talk to your elected officials, learn about what is going on and how you can make a difference.”

When asked about the paucity of high-quality candidates running for office these days, all agreed that raising money and enduring negative media attention would discourage almost anyone. Caylor jokes that, because of those conditions, his wife won’t let him consider running,

and Lawrence says that he is probably “too straightforward” and doesn’t like to wear suits and ties, nor does he have enough wealthy friends. Still, there is room enough and need for all of us to join the process of becoming educated, ex-pressing our views to the public and the politicians, and exercising the power of the vote. Caylor reminds us that Edmund Burke said, “All evil needs for success is for good men to do nothing.”

Sharon Wright taeches English at Heri-tage High School

Editor’s note: It was a pleasure to host a recent luncheon with people whom I knew held strong, but often very different, opinions about politics and our country’s future. I found that all were tolerant of each others views, unlike the shouting matches and biased viewpoints often seen on cable TV news. You may want to try it yourself sometime soon… taking some-one you think you completely disagree with to lunch or dinner...you might be surprised that you have more in common!

“There is too much money in politics today, and as a result, I think there are good people that will not run for office because raising money is not the thing most people

wake up wanting to do all day.” Gerald Cheatham

| 15

As we move through our re-tirement years, we have to consider where we want to spend our time in light of concerns for our health and safety as well as our comfort in remaining in our own homes. Many of us are choosing to “age in place.” But this choice comes with questions about how to maintain the property, where to find assistance with paper-work, or how to keep up various social activities. About 78 million baby boomers are consider-ing these challenges now or will in the near future, and a majority of them will choose to grow old in their own homes. For many, ag-ing at home means depend-ing on family and friends for help with things they can no longer do alone.

The need for support services is critical to allow seniors to remain indepen-dent. Beacon Hill Village was found-ed in 2001 with the goal of enabling a growing and diverse group of Bos-ton residents over the age of 50 to stay in their neighborhoods as they aged. This was done by organizing and delivering programs that allowed them to lead safe, healthy, and pro-ductive lives in their own homes. The principle of the Villages is based on neighbors helping neighbors to enjoy comfortable, safe, and economical liv-ing among their friends and neigh-bors. This prototype has grown to 70 U.S. Villages and, recently, two new ones in Australia. Hundreds more are in the formative process. Although

the Villages are independent, they are joined together and share resources and experiences through the VtV Network.

In March of 2011, following the Beacon Hill example, 14 seniors in the Lynchburg area volunteered to take the time and energy to move the Lynchburg Area Villages pro-gram forward. In January of 2012, Rivermont-Boonsboro Village began

operation. Membership is on a sub-scription basis, with membership fees going to offset startup, insurance, and background check costs. As many services as possible are provided by screened volunteers.

Volunteer services include trans-portation, social and community events, help with technology, light home and yard maintenance, assis-tance with paperwork, companion-ship, and daily phone checks. When more involved help is needed, mem-bers are provided with a list or reli-able, pre-screened businesses.

Villages are set up so that volun-teers don’t have to go far from their

homes to provide services. The fol-lowing areas have been identified as potential villages: Riverside, Wood-land, Irvington Park, Peakland, Oak-wood, Beacon Hill, Bedford Hills, Boonsboro, Merriwether Park, and Carter’s Grove. The Lynchburg Area Villages board can advise and assist those interested in starting a village in their area.

The first village in our area is the Rivermont-Boonsboro Vil-lage, which provides mem-bers who are 62 and over with a central place to turn for help and information. Re-quests might include some-one to repair a screen door, deliver groceries, or take a member to the hairdresser or a doctor’s appointment. Members are able to turn to the Village for help and will not have to ask a favor of a friend, neighbor, or family.

The LAV will help arrange and coor-dinate interest groups, outings, spe-cial events, and educational seminars for its members. Volunteers can help with the use of computers, phones, and other devices, and also assist with household chores, such as organizing closets, turning mattresses, or treat-ing slow-running drains. Others will even provide simple companionship or daily phone calls to monitor mem-bers and provide outside contact.

The Rivermont-Boonsboro Village can be reached at 434-214-0198 or 434-386-3090. More information is available at www.lynchburgareavillages.org.

Rivermont-Boonsboro Village Begunfrom Staff Reports

“It takes a Village…”

16 |

HOME HEALTH | HOSPICE | PACE

At Home With CentraCentra PACE

A Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly

Providing complete health care for seniors living at home

Allows frail seniors to live at home and in their community

434.200.6516

Centra Home HealthHelping you recover at home from

surgery, an injury or illness

Providing essential nursing, medical and rehabilitation services

Dedicated team of experienced therapists, nurses and aides

434.200.4111

Centra HospiceCompassionate end-of-life care for

patients and families

Full-time physicians, nurses, social workers and spiritual support

Pain and symptom management, medication, equipment and supplies

434.200.3204

Your Life. Our Mission.

Home Health

Call us or visit CentraHealth.com to learn more or to self refer.

Your Life. Our Mission.

| 17

Needs ChaNge … Life CoNtiNues

For 25 years Valley View has been the address of choice for senior adults. Valley View’s excellent reputation means it has become a leader in retirement living. Our community offers private apartments with monthly rentals, restaurant style menus, daily activities, transportation, weekly housekeeping, 24 hour staffing, plus much more. NO ENTRANCE FEE REQUIRED. Our warm, friendly atmosphere may be just what you are looking for! Tours available.

1213 Long Meadows Drive Lynchburg, Virginia 24502

(434) 237 - 3009www.valleyviewretirement.com

Retirement & Assisted Living Community

L ynchburgHistory.com is a website designed to transport you back in

time. About 20,000 photographs dating from the late 1800s to the 2000s give viewers a sense of what Lynchburg used to be as well as the changes that occurred in the places and the people. The site has photos of homes and stores, both inside and out, and photos of individuals and

families with the intent of preserving the visual record of Central Virgin-ia’s past.

The site was developed and is main-tained by Nancy B. Marion, owner of both the Design Group and the Blackwell Press. Marion also publishes Lynch’s Fer-ry magazine and produces the “Mystery Picture of the Week” column for Lynch-

burg’s News & Advance. Her award-win-ning books include Lynchburg 100: An Il-lustrated Guide to Lynchburg Landmarks, a publication she coauthored with reknown a r c h i t e c t S. Allen Chambers in 2007. The site in-cludes photos of Lynchburg’s Historic Districts, maps, panoramic photos and a complete archive of the “Mystery Pic-ture of the Week” from the News & Ad-vance. Readers can freely browse the site by topic or by photographer, or search for a specific place or person. Photos may be downloaded for a nominal fee.

Many of the photographs, maps, il-lustrations, and postcards on this web-site have come from private collections. Others are here thanks to the collab-

orative spirit of local organizations and businesses, including the Jones Memo-rial Library, The News & Advance, City of Lynchburg, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Virginia Depart-ment of Transportation, and Lynchburg Historical Foundation.

LynchburgHistory.com is an ongo-ing project; more photos are added peri-odically, and additional photos are always being sought. If you have something to a d d —m o r e i n f o r -mation about a specific photo, knowledge of a collection, old snapshots of people and places in Central Virginia—please feel free to con-tact Nancy Marion at [email protected] or call 434.847.0939.

A View Across the Years

18 |

Gracious Retirement Living For Ladies...

A non-profit organization providing care to its female residents in a loving & caring environment.• Residential Living • Activities Director On Staff • Transportation & Assisted • Private Rooms & Baths • Nurse On Duty 24/7 Living Available

We Invite You to Call & Arrange a Personal Tour to See Our Charm & Uniqueness First-Hand!

(434) 384-8282

The Williams Home1201 LANGHORNE ROAD • LYNCHBURG

www.TheWilliamsHome.org

Today more than ever, Americans want reliability, certainty and accountability. We are all looking for something stable, solid and firm. For many of us, it means a return to classic values and enduring ideals. One resource that meets our needs is the charitable gift annuity (CGA).A CGA is a simple contract between you and us, where you agree to donate a sum of money to Liberty University. In return, we agree to pay you a fixed percentage of that amount every year for as long as you live. Call our office today for more information.

(800) 543-5309www.LUgiving.com

RETURN TO CLASSIC VALUES

CERTAINTYUNCERTAIN

WORLD

IN AN

| 19

Reverse Mortgage Loan Questions & AnswersUnderstAnding hoW to PUt yoUr home to Work for yoU

“JUst the fActs” on the “home eqUity conversion mortgAge”

What is a reverse mortgage?• It’s a special type of loan that enables borrowers who are at

least 62 years of age to convert some of their home equity into loan proceeds. *

Who is eligible?• Borrower(s) who are at least 62 years of age and occupy the home as their principal residence

• Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, or a 2- to 4-unit dwelling

• The home may be owned free and clear or they can refinance an existing mortgage balance into a reverse mortgage without the required monthly mortgage payments of a traditional mortgage. Repayment is required if the borrowers no longer reside at the property, taxes and insurance on the property are not kept current, the property is not maintained to FHA standards, or other program requirements are not satisfied.

• Borrowers are required to obtain an eligibility certificate by receiving counseling from a HUD-approved agency. Family members and financial advisors are also encouraged to participate in these sessions.

What are some of the borrower responsibilities?• Borrowers are required to live in the home as their primary residence

• Borrowers are required to keep property taxes and insurance on the home current

• Borrowers are responsible for maintaining the property to FHA standards and comply with all other program requirements.

What are some of the benefits?• The reverse mortgage customer retains ownership and lives in

their home, keeping the taxes and insurance premiums on the property are paid and all other program requirements are met.

• Loan proceeds can be used for any purpose, including meeting daily and monthly expenses, or covering health care expenses

• Loan proceeds are not considered income and will not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits**.

What type of interest rate options are there?• Most lenders offer the Standard and Saver; fixed- and variable-rate reverse mortgages.

What are the distribution options?Borrowers can schedule the way they receive their reverse mortgage loan proceeds based on their available equity, the type of reverse mortgage they choose and their needs.

With a variable-rate reverse mortgage, they may choose any one - or a combination - of these flexible payout options:

• A lump sum to cover large expenses

• Monthly advances to supplement income

• A line of credit to draw on as needed

And, with a variable rate reverse mortgage, they can change how they receive your reverse mortgage proceeds as often as their needs or their situation changes over time.

With a fixed-rate reverse mortgage, a lump sum distribution is required.

What are the costs involved with a reverse mortgage?• A deposit for the appraisal is an out-of-pocket expense, as

well as the fee that the counseling agency may charge (this fee may be added to the other closing costs).

• There are additional closing costs, title insurance, a mortgage insurance premium and attorney fees. Depending on the program option that the borrower chooses, their closing costs will vary.

“Education is the key to making sound financial decisions”For more information on how this program may be of benefit to you please see the next page!

NMLS # 165753*Borrowers may want to consult their tax advisor. **Loan proceeds are not considered income and will not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. Your reverse mortgage proceeds may affect your eligibility for other programs. Consult either a local office or your attorney to determine how, or if, monthly reverse mortgage payments might affect your specific situation. The information provided subject to change without notice.

20 |

Phil Webb NMLS#580147/Rayetta Webb NMLS#165753Equal Housing Lender

Please call on Phil or Rayetta, your LOCAL reverse mortgage consultants at

Your LOCAL Reverse Mortgage Consultants

The Difference Experience Can Make

With Reverse Financing and the NEW Reverse for Purchase program we can help you achieve your financial goals.

1015 Main Street • Altavista, VA 24517 Office: 434.369-1050 • Toll Free: 1-877-380-9510

Rayetta Webb Direct: (434) 238-0765

[email protected]

Phil Webb Direct: (434) 238-0764

[email protected]

Phil and Rayetta Webb have over 10 years combined reverse mortgage experience.

They are dedicated to specializing only in reverse mortgage financing in order to better assist

the senior homeowners over the age of 62 and their families

with this type of loan program.

Considering a reverse mortgage? Some reasons why you may want to think about it....

• Eliminate your current mortgage • Pay for in-home care• Do home repairs • Increase monthly income

• Relax and enjoy life!

CALL TODAY FOR INFORMATION PACKET – NO COST – NO OBLIGATION!

| 21

Golden 50 Guide

26

The Central Virginia region around Lynchburg has become a popular area for people of retire-ment age to live. A moderate climate and close proximity to popular destinations such as

Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake, Buggs Island Lake, themountains to the west and famous historical sites help explain why people from all over the

Lynchburg Area Independent...

Valley ViewThe Summit

Community Name Type of Year 1st Unit Existing # PotentialLocation & Phone Dwelling/Unit Size of Units Price Range Completed of Units # of Units

Apartments N/R

McGurk House Apartments 235 to Variable-30% 1985 88 N/RLynchburg 846-2425 349 sq. ft. adjust. gross

The Summit Apart., Garden Homes, 732 to Call for info. August 2003 85 NRLynchburg 582-1500 & Continuing Care 1624 sq. ft.

Valley View Independent. & Assist. Various sizes Month to 1988 109 N/RLynchburg 237-3009 Living Apartments month rental

Westminster Life Care; 432 to $1150 to 1980 246 N/RCanterbury Apartments, cottages, 2100 sq. ft. $3800Lynchburg 386-3500 asst. living, nursing care

The Williams HomeWestminster Canterbury

Community Name Location & Phone

Type of Dwelling/Unit Size of Units Price Range Year 1st Unit

CompletedExisting # of Units

Potential # of Units

Bentley Commons Lynchburg 509-0036 Apartments Various sizes Call for

pricing details 2008 N/R N/R

Valley View Lynchburg 237-3009

Independent & Assist. Living Apartments Various sizes Month to

month rental 1988 109 N/R

The Williams HomeLynchburg 384-8282

Independent & Assisted. Admit only to

IndependentVarious sizes N/R

1st Annex in 1970’s; Asst.

Living Wing ‘06N/R N/R

Westminster CanterburyLynchburg 386-3305

Life Care; Apartments, cottages,

asst. living, nursing care432 to

2100 sq. ft.$1150 to $3800

monthly1980 246 N/R

22 |

Golden 50 Guide

27

...Retirement-Living CommunitiesUnited States are attracted here. The communities and developments listed below offer a wide

diversity of lifestyles, but are all committed to sharing their knowledge and answering any questions you may have, without obligation.

N/R means No Report - Please Call for More Information

McGurk HouseBentley Commons

Population Age If Yes, Free Inside or Outsideas of /1/ Restrictions What Age? Maintenance Available? Miscellaneous Comments

About Yes 62 and up Yes Affordable Housing90 unless handicap. For Elderly - HUD (Section 8/202)

113 NR NR Main. included in fees Sponsored by Centra Healthand The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About 120 Yes Designed for Main. included in fees Month-to-month rental. No entrance fee. Retire. Living Tours available. www.valleyviewretirement.com

288 Yes 62 and up Yes An accredited CCRC. Entrance fees

Health Care available for Direct Admission

6 10

range from $ 0 - $ 0 ,000. Asst. Living &4 5

Valley View

Bentley Commons

Population as of 8/1/12

Age Restrictions

If Yes, What Age?

Free Inside or Outside Maintenance Available? Miscellaneous Comments

N/R Yes 55 and up Main. included in fees Monthly rental, All inclusive, three meals daily, Pets welcome.

About 120 Yes Designed for Retire. Living Main. included in fees Month-tomonth rental. No entrance fee. Tours

available. www.valleyviewretirement.com

N/R Yes 55 and up Yes Retirement Living for Ladies. 10-room Assisted Living Wing. www.TheWilliamsHome.org

About 300 Yes 62 and up YesAn accredited CCRC. Entrance fees range from $0–$405,000. Asst. Living & Health Care available for Direct Admission

| 23

Since 1940, serving one generation after anotherwith their eyewear needs.

A. G. Jefferson OpticiansSenior Citizen Discounts Available!

Two Convenient Locations to Serve You!

www.AGJeffersonVa.com

999 Sheffield Dr.Lynchburg846- (EYES) 3937

2010 Tate Springs Rd.Lynchburg845-1991

City Name Address Phone Web AddressAmherst Johnson Senior Center 108 & 112 Senior St. 434-946-2799Bedford Campbell’s Rest Home 1350 Longwood Ave. 540-586-0825Bedford Elks National Home 931 Ashland Ave. 540-586-8232 www.elkshome.orgLynchburg Clear Brook Apts. 3004 Hill St. 845-2155 www.ClearBrook.orgLynchburg Jefferson House Apts. 1818 Langhorne Sq. 846-1800Lynchburg McGurk House 2425 Tate Springs Rd. 846-2425 www.McGurkHouse.orgLynchburg Odd Fellows Home of VA 600 Elmwood Ave. 434-845-1261 Lynchburg The Summit 1300 Enterprise Dr. 434-316-5900 www.summitlynchburg.comLynchburg Tinbridge Manor Apts. 701 Hollins St. 845-4990Lynchburg Walden Pond Apts. 300 Weeping Willow Dr. 385-5060 www.WaldenPondLiving.com

City Name Address Phone Web AddressBedford Bedford Adult Day Care 1617 Oakwood St. 540-586-2441 www.bmhva.comBedford Bedford Memorial Hospital 1613 Oakwood St. 540-586-8424 www.bmhva.comForest Raspberry Hill 2617 Elk Valley Rd. 525-4422 www.RaspberryHillADC.comLynchburg Adult Care Center of

Central Virginia621 Court St. 434-847-8111 www.adultcarecenter.org

Lynchburg Centra PACE 407 Federal St. 434-200-6516 www.centrahealth.com

City Name Address Phone Web AddressLynchburg The Summit 1400 Enterprise Dr. 434-582-1500 www.SummitLynchburg.comLynchburg Westminster Canterbury 501 V.E.S. Rd. 434-386-3305 www.WClynchburg.org

HOUSING OPTIONS (REGIONAL)

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer resi-dents a variety of services ranging from independent living in a cottage setting to skilled nursing care. The types of services offered may be all-inclusive, modified to meet the needs of the resident, or may be a fee-for-service arrangement where the resident pays for each service they elect to receive. CCRCs should not be confused

with retirement com-munities that frequently offer limited services but do not offer life care contracts.

CCRCs are designed to promote wellness, independence and socialization in a residential environment. The programs and ser-vices offered by these facilities are limited only by your imagination.

Adult day care centers are a popular long-term care option for many families, as they offer solutions to problems facing both senior adults and their caregivers. Adult day care centers provide socialization and activities in a safe, secure environ-ment by offering older, infirm or disabled adults an opportu-nity to participate in a day program designed to maintain or improve their functioning. Caregivers benefit by having re-

spite from caring for a dependent adult, and some free time supervision or assistance with activities of daily living, and educational and resource materials for the community. Other adult day care services can include medical and rehabilitative therapies (occupational, physical, speech) and social services to adults with physical or mental impairments.

24 |

City Name Address Phone Web AddressLynchburg CVAAA 501 12th St. 434-385-9070 www.cvaaa.comLynchburg Infinity Care 21430 Timberlake Rd. 434-237-1975 www.infinitycare.org

GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENTThis is the process of planning and coordinating the

care of the elderly and/or disabled to improve their quality of life and to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Heath care and psychological care are integrated

with the best possible combination of services such as: housing, home care services, socialization programs, financial and legal planning. A care plan tailored for each individual’s circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment.

City Name Address Phone Web AddressBedford Bedford Memorial Hospital 1613 Oakwood St 540-586-2441 www.bmhva.org

Farmville Centra Southside 800 Oak St. 434-392-8811 www.sch.centrahealth.comLynchburg Centra Lynchburg

General Hospital 2215 Landover Pl. 434-200-4000 www.lgh.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Centra Virginia Baptist 3300 Rivermont Ave. 434-947-4000 www.vbh.centrahealth.com

HOSPITALS

HOME HEALTH CAREWhat Exactly Is Home Care, Anyway?

Homecare is a general term that represents a wide range of community-based services that support someone recuperating from an acute situation, such as a hip fracture, or services need-ed by persons with on-going chronic conditions, such as stroke or cerebral palsy. The skills and duties of home care personnel vary, but all have one thing in common-they make it possible for care recipients to remain at home in a safe, environment and in some cases have more independence than they did before. In the process, they also provide family caregivers with a chance to re-plenish their depleted physical and emotional reserves. Homec-are personnel include:

• Registered nurses (RNs)-that provide skilled medi-cal care, including giving medications, monitoring vital signs, dressing wounds, and teaching family caregivers how to use complicated equipment at home.

• Therapists-that work with patients to restore or main-tain their motor, speech and cognitive skills.

• Homecare aides-who provide personal services such as bathing, dressing, toileting, making meals, light cleaning, and transporting patients to the doctor.

• Companion/homemakers-who help with chores around the house but usually do not perform personal duties for the care recipient.

Getting Started with Homecare1. The first step is to make sure you and your loved one are

comfortable with the idea of someone else taking on some of the tasks that you’ve been doing by yourself.

2. Define the tasks that need to be done by the homecare worker to determine exactly what type of homecare is most appropriate in your situation.

Who to ChooseIf you’re like the majority of family caregivers, you need

the most help with personal care tasks-the very type of care that is not typically covered by private health insurance pro-grams or Medicare. So unless your loved one had the foresight and the funds to purchase long-term-care insurance prior to becoming ill, your access to homecare will be limited by what you can afford.

Home Care Agencies are companies in the business of meet-ing homecare needs. Not all home care agencies provide the same variety and level of service however, so make sure the agency you are considering can provide all the services you need. The issue isn’t bigger or smaller but rather which one meets your criteria.

If your care recipient is approved for skilled care that Medi-care will pay for, it’s vital that the agency be Medicare certified. This ensures that the agency has met federal minimum require-ments. If your loved one only requires personal care or compan-ion/homemaker care, Medicare certification need not be a factor in your decision. Some companies actually have two agencies that are legally separate but work together, one that is Medicare certi-fied and one that is strictly private pay.

What do home care services cost through an agency?Many agencies have a minimum two or four-hour fee. The

actual hourly rate will vary depending on the services you re-quire, but don’t be surprised to find rates ranging anywhere from $13 to $25 per hour.

Privately Employed Home Caregivers can be hired on your own, especially if you are not looking for skilled medical care, but rather for someone to act as a companion or personal aide on a regular, long-term basis.

| 25

For Excellence in Home Care

Elite Care Serviceswww.EliteCareServicesLLC.com

All services are available up to 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.3721 S. Amherst Hwy., Suite 201 Madison Heights

(434) 846-1514 Fax: 846-1115

Personal Care -$ Assist with medicine refill reminders$ Assist with bathing and oral hygiene$ Assist with grooming$ Assist with eating$ Assist with toileting

Palliative Care -$ Bed Ridden$ Non-ambulatory

Payment Methods Accepted -$ Private Pay & Insurances$ Medicaid Certified & Veterans $ CENTRA PACE

Family Support -$ Light Housekeeping$ Bed changes$ Meal Preparation$ Laundry$ Grocery Shopping

Companionship -$ Outings$ Doctor’s visits$ Appointments$ Errands$ Walks$ Activities$ Pet Care

E-mail: [email protected]

City Name Address Phone Web AddressLynchburg Amedisys Home Health 2050 Langhorne Rd. 845-7555 www.amedisys.com

Lynchburg Americare Plus LLC 118 S. Bridge St. 540-586-2441 www.americanretirementhomes.orgLynchburg Centra Home Health 3300 Rivermont Ave. 434-200-4111 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Community Sitters Lynchburg 384-2806 www.communitysitterslynchburg.com

Lynchburg Dynamic Solutions For Seniors

Lynchburg 401-2782 www.dynamicseniorsolutions.com

Lynchburg First Dominion 2808 Old Forest Rd. 434-384-2800 www.firstcare.biz

Lynchburg Generation Solutions 1032 Claymont Dr. 434-455-6500 www.generalsolutions.net

Lynchburg Gentiva 2050 Langhorne Rd. Ste. 101 846-5219 www.gentiva.com

Lynchburg Helping Hand Nursing Service Lynchburg 846-7407 www.helpinghandnursingservice.com

Lynchburg Home Instead Senior Care 2085 Langhorne Rd. 434-385-0321 www.homeinstead.com

Lynchburg Home Recovery of VA 5050 Fort Ave. 237-0021 http://hr-ha.comLynchburg Interim Healthcare 2255 Langhorne Rd. Ste. 6 832-7460 www.interimhealthcare.comLynchburg Personal Homecare Inc 2808 Old Forest Rd. 434-384-2412 www.firstcare.bizLynchburg Senior Independence 501 V E S Rd. 434-386-3500 www.wclynchburg.orgLynchburg Seven Hills Home Health 2250 Murrell Rd. 434-847-6400 www.sevenhillshh.com

Lynchburg Team Nurse 22634 Timberlake Rd. Ste. E 582-4755 www.teamnurse.comMadison Hghts. Elite Care Services 5005 S Amherst Hwy. 434-846-1514 www.EliteCareServicesLLC.com

26 |

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIESThe aging of America, together with extended life expec-

tancy, is resulting in an unprecedented demand for all kinds of long-term care services. Among these services are assisted living residences. The philosophy of assisted living is to provide super-vision, assistance, and personal care services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities as needed. The goal is to maintain maximum independence in a home-like setting, while providing individualized care and assistance. Assisted living offers a unique mix of security and independence, privacy, companionship, care and services. Choosing the appropriate assisted living residence can make all the difference in an individual’s mental, physical, and social well being.

Assisted Living TodayAssisted living services can be provided in freestanding resi-

dences, near or integrated with skilled nursing homes or hospi-tals, as components of continuing care retirement communities, or at independent housing complexes.

Assisted living residences offer a multi-faceted residential setting that provides personal care services, 24-hour supervision and assistance, activities and health-related services, designed to:

• Minimize the need to relocate; • Accommodate individual residents’ changing needs and

preferences; • Maximize residents’ dignity, autonomy, privacy, indepen-

dence, choice and safety; and • Encourage family and community involvement.

Accommodations and options may vary greatly from one as-sisted living residence to the next (e.g. private rooms, private baths, kitchenettes, etc.). Personal needs and preferences are important criteria for selecting a residence and the amenities it offers.

Services & ActivitiesIt is important to remember that assisted living residences

are a bridge between living at home and living in a nursing home. Assisted living residences do not typically provide the level of continuous skilled nursing care found in nursing homes and hos-pitals.

The services and activities provided or arranged for in as-sisted living residences generally include:

• 24-hour supervision; • Three meals a day in a group dining room; and • A range of services that promote the quality of life and in-

dependence of the individual; such as: • Personal care services (help with bathing, dressing, toilet-

ing, etc.) • Medication management, or assistance with self-adminis-

tration of medicine; • Social services; • Supervision and assistance for persons with Alzheimer’s or

other dementias and disabilities; • Recreational and spiritual activities; • Exercise and wellness programs; • Laundry and linen service; • Housekeeping and maintenance; and, • Arrangements for transportation.

Each resident receives individualized services to help him/her function within the residence and within the community. Upon admission, a service plan is usually developed to coordinate the delivery of services to each resident. The agreement, which includes an assessment or evaluation of the resident’s physical and psychosocial needs, is reviewed and updated regularly by the staff, and as the resident’s condition indicates. The resident and family, or responsible party are encouraged to play an active role in the development of the service plan.

City Name Address Phone Web AddressBedford Carriage Hill Retirement Roundtree Dr 540-586-5982 www.carriagehillretirement.comLynchburg Bentley Commons 1604 Graves Mill Rd. 434-316-0207 www.bentleycommons.com/lynchburgLynchburg The Oaks of Lynchburg 2249 Murrell Rd. 434-338-6882 www.springarborliving.comLynchburg Valley View Retirement 1213 Long Meadows Dr. 434-237-3009 www.valleyviewretirement.comSmith Mtn. Lake Runk & Pratt 115 Retirement Dr. Hardy 434-509-0087 www.runkandpratt.com

City Name Address Phone Web AddressAppomattox Appomattox Health and

Rehabilitation 235 Evergreen Ave. 434-352-7420 www.lifeworksrehab.com

Lynchburg Avante at Lynchburg 2081 Langhorne Rd. 434-846-8437 www.avantegroup.comLynchburg Daybreak at Heritage

Green200 Lillian La. 434-385-5102 www.heritagegreenal.com

Lynchburg The Fields at Heritage Green

201 Lillian La. 434-385-6077 www.heritagegreenal.com

Lynchburg Guggenheimer Health & Rehab.

1902 Grace St. 434-200-3088 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Runk & Pratt 20212 Leesville Rd. 434-237-7809 www.runkandpratt.com

RESPITE CAREThis is care for patients who need nursing supervision for short periods of time.

| 27

NURSING AND REHABILITATION CARE FACILITIESNursing homes cater to elderly individuals who, due to a variety of incapacitating physical or emotional health conditions, can no longer properly care for themselves, and whose care requires round-the-clock attention. They may be discharged directly from a hospital to a nursing home with the expectation of returning home after rehabilitation,or they may enter one because their abil-ity to manage their daily activities has almost fully deteriorated.

Because the need for these facilities can sometimes arrive at a moment’s notice, it is recommended that research into nursing homes begin before such an emergency arises in order to avoid making split-second and often emotional decisions that later, one might wish to have back.

Nursing homes are not a one-size-fits-all; rather, they tend to fall into three general categories, each of which addresses the needs of the patient:

Skilled nursing care:Skilled nursing care is for conditions which demand round-the-clock, 24-hour medical attention by trained nurses, therapists or other health care professionals. It may only be temporary, such as post-operative or following an illness, or it could last indefinitely. Treatment plans are intensive and generally dictated by one’s reg-ular physician and carried out by the home’s staff.

Intermediate nursing care:Intermediate nursing care treats individuals whose condition is stable and does not demand 24-hour attention, but who nonethe-less need daily care. One’s regular physician dictates treatment plans but since they are not as intensive, the care is not as special-ized and can often amount to skilled nurses supervising certified nurse’s assistants, who manage the patient in daily issues, such as bathing and eating.

Custodial care:Custodial care is fairly fundamental care, in that it is designed to help patients who can no longer bathe, eat or dress without assis-tance. Because it does not require concentrated medical care, those performing custodial care are generally without medical skills.

Along with these three general categories, keep in mind that many nursing homes offer services to treat patients whose conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, demand specialized treatment.

Costs, Medicare and MedicaidNursing home care can be very expensive. A major insurance company says the average daily cost of a private room in a nurs-ing home in the United States is $83,585 per year, or $229 per day.

The average length of stay in a nursing home for current resi-dents was 2.4 years (in 2010), which makes the average cost of a nursing home stay approximately $200,600. The data is contained in the 2010 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care Costs.

Naturally, nursing homes will accept any resident who can pay

outright, and about a third of all expenses wind up being paid for by the patient and/or their families. In many cases, contractual agreements with a variety of organizations, such as the Veterans Administration (VA), the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), HMOs and private in-surance companies, help this enormously.

For most families financial issues, more than any other factor, often determine which nursing home is chosen. Thus a substan-tial bit of financial planning is necessary for every family, even those with nursing home insurance, since it may not cover every expense. Whatever method you choose, you must meet with the nursing home’s administration beforehand and be clear on every expense and regulation before you sign a single document.

Nursing Homes: MedicarePayments from Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and over, are typically accepted provided the resident is under the auspices of Medicare and the facility has beds avail-able for this program. However, Medicare generally will cover only the 20 days of approved nursing care.

Nursing Homes: MedicaidPayments for Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income Americans, are typically accepted provided the resident is under the auspices of the Medicaid program and the facility has beds available. It is believed that roughly half of all nursing home care in the US is paid for by Medicaid.

In the event your personal funds will be depleted after a couple of years and you believe you will be applying for Medicaid, you can avoid the possibility of having to switch homes at that time by checking first to see if the current home accepts Medicaid. The reason not every home accepts Medicaid is simple: the amount paid by individuals is higher than what Medicaid pays. At the mo-ment Medicaid-certified homes must meet federal regulations for care, but this may change if Congress deregulates the industry.

Medicaid eligibility is determined by each state, but it is typically bounded by one’s assets.

Spending DownSome people employ a strategy known as spending down: having set aside enough money to cover the costs of a nursing home for approximately one year, they go through those funds then apply for Medicaid. The added benefit is that they typically are able to enter the home of their choice.

Comparing Nursing Homes in the Lynchburg AreaIf you follow the same instructions above to get to the Nursing Home segment on the Medicare.gov home page, you can also find all of the nursing homes within the area you requested, listed and rated with a 5 star system, including health inspections, staffing and Quality measure.

You will notice that there is a surprisingly wide variety of ratings.

28 |

Forest Smith Mountain Lake Lynchburg

Experienceyour best quality of life.

Whether you prefer worry free Independent Living or require the specialized services of

Assisted Living or Memory Care, Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities provide

everything you need to experience your best quality of life! With properties in Lynchburg, Forest & Smith Mountain Lake, Runk & Pratt offers a variety of options to meet your every

need. Call (434) 610-0329 today for more information or to schedule your

personal tour!

7806 Timberlake RoadLynchburg, VA 24502

www.RunkandPratt.com

City Name Address Phone Web AddressAltavista Autumn Care of Altavista 1317 Lola Ave. 434-369-6651 www.autumncare.netAmherst Fairmont Crossing 173 Brockman Park Dr. 434-946-2850 www.centrahealth.comAppomattox Appomattox

Healthcare Center 215 Evergreen Ave. 434-352-7420 www.lifeworksrehab.com

Bedford Carriage Hill Retirement Community

Roundtree Dr. 540-586-5982 www.carriagehillretirement.com

Bedford Oakwood Health & Rehabilitation

1613 Oakwood St. 540-586-2441 www.carilionclinic.org

Lynchburg Avante at Lynchburg 2081 Langhorne Rd. 434-846-8437 www.avantegroup.comLynchburg Daybreak at Heritage

Green200 Lillian Lane 434-385-5102 www.heritagegreenal.com

Lynchburg Guggenheimer Health & Rehabilitation

1902 Grace St. 434-200-5100 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Lynchburg Health & Rehabilitation Center

5615 Seminole Ave. 434-239-2657 www.lifeworksrehab.com

Lynchburg Medical Care Center 2200 Landover Pl. 434-846-4626 www.hcr-manorcare.comLynchburg Runk & Pratt 20212 Leesville Rd. 434-237-7809 www.runkandpratt.comLynchburg Summit Health & Rehab 1300 Enterprise Dr. 434-845-6045 www.centrahealth.comLynchburg The Carrington 2406 Atherholt Rd. 434-846-3200Lynchburg The Fields at Heritage

Green 201 Lillian La. 434-385-6077 www.heritagegreenal.com

Lynchburg The Oaks of Lynchburg 2249 Murrell Rd. 434-338-6882 www.springarborliving.comLynchburg Virginia Baptist Hospital

Acute Rehab.3300 Rivermont Ave. 434-200-3088 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Westminster Canterbury 501 V E S Rd. 434-386-3404 www.wclynchburg.org

| 29

We’re There

When You Need Us Most.

You are not alone in hospice and our experienced and loving staff will care for you as family. Our comprehensive care provides a full range of services including:

Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling

Spiritual care from a Christian perspective that brings encouragement and inspires hope

Grief support groups for adults and children

Roanoke: 540.989.6265 | Lynchburg: 434.846.6270 | Charlottesville: 434-220-6002

City Name Address Phone Web AddressBedford Bedford Hospice Care 815 Whitfield St. 540-587-6592 www.carilionclinic.comLynchburg Centra Hospice 2097 Langhorne Rd. 434-200-3204 www.centrahealth.comLynchburg Gentle Shepherd Hospice 22712 Timberlake Rd 434-846-6270 www.gentleshepherdhospice.comLynchburg Hospice of the Hills 3300 Rivermont Ave. 434-509-4946 www.centrahealth.comLynchburg Seven Hills Hospice 2250 Murrell Rd. 434-847-6400 www.sevenhillshh.com

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

WEBSITES (for general information)

Community non-profit hospices serve the needs of terminally ill patients and loved ones with skilled nurses, spiritual counselors and bereavement volunteers. Some have their own facilities; others will come to residences.

Central Va. Area Agency on Aging, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cvaaa.comCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cms.hhs.govMemory Commons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.memorycommons.orgSenior Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.senioradvocateonline.comSenior Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.seniornavigator.orgSocial Security Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ssa.govVirginia Department for the Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vda.virginia.govVirginia Department of Medical Assistance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dmas.virginia.govVirginia Easy Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.easyaccess.virginia.gov

If your organization was mistakenly left out of the information above, please notify us at [email protected]

Target Your Clients Through a Magazine Focused On Their Needs!

Please contact Dan Curran, Publisher at (434) 455-2726 or e-mail [email protected] or Regina Dickerson at (434) 420-0536 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve a space!

Greater Lynchburg’s

30 |

Will your money last?With a retirement plan it can.Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

As Ameriprise financial advisors, we’ll work with you to define your retirement dreams. And together, we’ll create a plan that works for you — with the products and strategies that are right for your goals.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Stuart Kenneth Lane JrFinancial Advisor

16583 Forest RoadForest, VA, 24551

434-534-8875

[email protected]

Call us today at (434) 534.8875

Will your money last?With a retirement plan it can.Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

As Ameriprise financial advisors, we’ll work with you to define your retirement dreams. And together, we’ll create a plan that works for you — with the products and strategies that are right for your goals.


Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Stuart Kenneth Lane JrFinancial Advisor

16583 Forest RoadForest, VA, 24551

434-534-8875

[email protected]

Call us today at (434) 534.8875


tiPs for considering long-term cAre insUrAnce

Studies have estimated that nearly two-thirds of peo-ple over age 65 will need long-term care in some form, whether it be at home, adult group care, or care in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Women have a greater chance of needing long-term care services be-cause they generally live longer than men and are more likely to live alone when they are very old.The 2010 Genworth Cost of Care Survey estimated the me-dian cost of care in a private room at a nursing home to be nearly $85,000 per year. These sizable figures have prompted many to investigate long-term care policies to protect their assets and ensure proper care should the need arise. Here are ten tips for those considering a long-term care policy.

LTC (Long-Term-Care) Insurance: Protects Retirement AssetsWith per-person figures for one year of care approach-ing six-figures, even those with sizable assets are in dan-ger of wiping our their entire nest egg. For many, long-term-care policies provide peace of mind in knowing that their hard-earned savings will go towards their intended purposes rather than for care.

Don't Count On Medicare... and Medicaid Only Pays For the Indigent Medicaid only pays for the indigent, and won't help mid-dle-class health care consumers. Some people are bank-ing on the idea of spending down their assets to a level where they would be eligible for Medicaid. This is not a sound plan as there are significant penalty periods and sanctions in place that make this strategy very arduous. Medicare is designed to only provide care for a very short term; its intended design is to pay for care relating to a short recovery period for people stricken by illness or injury and is not a long-term solution.

Think Beyond YourselfConsider the impact on those around you in the event you were no longer able to care for yourself. Some people are very comfortable with the idea of their family paying for care or personally administering the care they need. Oth-

ers want to ensure that those closest to them are never put in the role of caregiver or financier. There is no right or wrong answer, but you should give conscious thought to what life will be like in the event that you lose your in-dependence. For those looking to help ensure they never need to rely on their family, there is no better tool than a long-term care policy.

Buy It Sooner...Not LaterToday, the average age of a long-term-care insurance buyer is 56. Fifteen years ago, the average age of the buyer was 69. The younger you are when you apply for a policy, the more likely it is you will be approved--57% of those who apply for long-term-care insurance at age 80 or older are declined by insurers, while only 11% of those who apply between the ages of 50 and 59 are turned down. Most experts agree that one should start thinking about long-term-care insurance in your early 50's.

| 31

Pools of MoneyThink of a long-term-care policy as buying a pool of money for future use. For example, if you buy a poli-cy that pays benefits for 10 years (or total benefits of $600,000), but in the first year, you only use $30,000 in benefits, you will have $570,000 left to use. If, after 10 years, you haven't used all of the money available to you, the policy's life will be extended until the pool of money available to you is gone.

Plan for InflationIf the daily benefit is $200 and you opt for the 5% infla-

tion protection, the benefit in 15 years will be $400 and the daily benefit in 30 years will be $800. When thinking about purchasing these policies it is highly advised that you select one that offers inflation protection.

Get A Comprehensive Plan That Is FlexibleDepending on your level of need, you may be able to receive care while in the comfort of your own home. A comprehensive policy pays for care at a facility but also offers the option of receiving care in your own home or community. Make sure any policy you are considering af-fords payment for care regardless of the setting you are in.

Paying For ItConsider getting a "10 pay" option. It costs more in the short term, but may be less expensive over the long run. This option requires premiums be paid for 10 years, af-ter which you will have a paid-up policy which protects you from rate increases that might occur down the road (although you are exposed to rate increases during the 10-year payment period).

Getting Paid For Using It When you buy a long-term-care policy, you will choose between a reimbursement and an indemnity option. The reimbursement option is for actual expenses up to a daily limit. The indemnity option, which is more expensive, pays a daily benefit of a specific amount, regardless of how much you spend.

Uncle Sam Will Reward You For Buying It There are some tax incentives for those who buy long-term-care insurance. No taxes are owed on benefits paid out, and there are 35 states that offer a tax credit to long-term-care policyholders.

Serving Senior Citizens in the Cities of Bedford, Lynchburg,and the Counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell

Home Delivered Meals • Transportation • Care Coordination • Weatherization Services • CongregateMeal Centers • Elder Rights Advocacy • Insurance Counseling • Volunteer Opportunities

Central Virginia Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

United Wayof Central VirginiaPartner Agency

Providing Services Since 1975 - A 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Agency501 12th St., Suite A ● P.O. Box 1390 ● Lynchburg, VA 24505

www.cvaaa.com(434) 385-9070

Providing Quality Equipment,Products and Services

to Enhance your Quality of Life

Sales, Service and Rental ofMedical Equipment and Supplies

2300 Bedford Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503Phone: 434-528-3765

Fax: 434-528-9312www.gmemedical.com

email: [email protected]

24-Hour Emergency Service

Durable Medical Equipment• Wheelchairs and Accessories• Pride Power Chairs, Scooters and

Seat Lifts• Walkers and Ambulatory Aids• Hospital Beds and Accessories• Bariatric Equipment

Respiratory Services• Home Oxygen• Nebulizers• CPAP and Bilevel

Supplies and Services• Wound Care Supplies• Enteral Feeding• Incontinence Supplies• Diabetic Supplies• Bath Safety Aids• Physical Therapy Supplies• Occupational Therapy Supplies• Complete Maintenance and

Repair Services

32 |

The Regional Social Security Office on Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg

| 33

Do you plan to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits early in 2013? If so, now

is the time to prepare. We recommend you apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to begin.

These days, you no longer need to travel to an office or wait in line to apply for benefits. You can do it from your home or office computer. The Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov makes the process easy and convenient.

You can complete your application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, after you submit your online application electronically, that’s all you have to do. You’re done.

There are no forms to sign or additional paperwork to complete. In rare cases where we need additional information, a representative will contact you.

Not ready to retire yet? Perhaps you want to plan ahead and begin considering your options regarding when to retire. In that case, you’ll want to visit Social Security’s website to use our convenient and informative retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. Here you can find out just how close you are to meeting your financial goals and then “bookmark” the website to apply for retirement benefits whenever you are ready.

We encourage people at any stage in their working career to use the Retirement Estimator for an

IF 2013 IS YOUR LUCKY YEAR TO RETIRE, PREPARE NOW

These days, everyone is taking a new look at their nances — and no one is looking more closely than

the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age. While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans. Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security bene t – or their spouse’s bene t – would be affected if they continued working.

To help them nd answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start Receiving Retirement Bene ts. You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

As most workers know, your choice of a retirement age — from 62 to 70 — can dramatically affect your monthly Social Security bene t amount.

If you choose to start receiving bene ts early, the monthly payments will be reduced based on the number of months you receive bene ts before you reach your full retirement age. The rate of reduction will depend on the year you were born. The maximum reduction at age 62 will be:

• 25% for people born between 1943 and 1954.

• 30% for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, your bene ts will not be reduced. And if you should choose to delay retirement, your bene t will increase up to eight percent a

year from your full retirement age until age 70. However, there is no additional bene t increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking bene ts.

Social Security also has created several retirement planners to help you make an informed decision. Social Security has an online calculator that can provide immediate retirement bene t estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The online Retirement Estimator uses information from your own earnings record, and lets you create “what if” scenarios. You can, for example, change your “stop work” date or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options.

To use the Retirement Estimator, visitwww.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Read When To Start Receiving Retirement Bene ts at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

And for general information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Retirement decisions are unique to everyone. Make sure you are up to date with the important information you will need to make the choice that’s right for you.

Divorced? You’re Not Separated From Social Security

If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security.

Social Security: Questions and Answers

About your

By James HortonSocial Security District Manager in Lynchburg $

Tools To Help You Decide When To Retire:

44 |

34 |

| Golden YEARS Guide

instant, personalized estimate of future retirement benefits. Find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Remember that you’re always first in line when you go online, to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Here’s to a lucky 2013. If you’re planning to retire and begin receiving Social Security benefits in January, start the year off right by applying online now for Social Security benefits.

ALL ABOUT RETIREMENT

Social Security is as American as baseball and apple pie. Not everyone likes apples or baseball games, but almost every American who reaches retirement age will receive Social Security retirement benefits. In fact, 96 percent of Americans are covered by Social Security.

If you’re ready to retire in the near future, this article is for you. We’d like to share with you a few important items about Social Security retirement benefits and how to apply for them.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

To qualify for retirement benefits, 10 years is the minimum. However, the amount of your benefit is determined by how long you work and how much you earn. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years when you did not work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily or earned more.

Also, your age when you retire makes a difference in your benefit amount. The full retirement age (the age at which full retirement benefits are payable) has been gradually rising from age 65 to age 67. You can retire as early as age 62, but if benefits start before you reach your full retirement age, your monthly payment is reduced. Find out what your full retirement age is by referring to the convenient chart

in our publication, Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html. It’s in the second section.

Just as you can choose an early retirement and get a reduced payment, you also can choose to keep working beyond your full retirement age to take advantage of a larger payment. Your benefit will increase automatically by a certain percentage from the time you reach your full retirement age until you start receiving your benefits or until you reach age 70.

The decision of when to retire is an individual one and depends on a number of personal factors. To help you weigh the factors, we suggest you read our online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

You may want to consider your options by using our Retirement Estimator to get instant, personalized estimates of future benefits. You can plug in different retirement ages and scenarios to help you make a more informed retirement decision. Try it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

When you decide to retire, the easiest and most convenient way to do it is right from the comfort of your home or office computer. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov where you can apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, there are no forms to sign or documents to send; once you submit your electronic application, that’s it!

In addition to using our award-winning website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) or visit the Social Security office nearest you.

Either way you choose to apply, be sure to have your bank account information handy so we can set up your payments to be deposited directly into your account.

To learn more, please read our publication, Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.

• Local Family Ownership

• Area’s LowestCost Complere Funeral Plans

• Voted “Lynchburg’sBest” Funeral Home

• On-Site CremationFacility

• Veterans’ Discount

• Winner of “Family Friendly” Business of the Year

• Serving Bedford, Lynchburg, SmithMt. Lake, and coming soon...

Madison Heights and Amherst

• Local Family Ownership

• Area’s LowestCost Complere Funeral Plans

• Voted “Lynchburg’sBest” Funeral Home

• On-Site CremationFacility

• Veterans’ Discount

• Winner of “Family Friendly” Business of the Year

• Serving Lynchburg, Bedford, SmithMt. Lake, and now Amherst County from

our newest location in Madison Heights

Planning a funeral can be a very difficult task, especially considering the circumstances. When something as tragic as a family member or friend passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is planning the funeral. For this reason, we have compiled a list of things to remember when planning a funeral. Although this will not help with the emotional stress you are experiencing, it may take off some of the pressure you are experiencing in such a difficult time.

When planning a funeral, consider the following:01. Collect personal information and compile to form an

obituary. 02. Choose a funeral home 03. Choose whether the deceased will be buried or cremat-

ed. 04. Select a casket or cremation container. 05. Choose the funeral location and type of funeral service. 06. Decide when and where the visitations will take place

(attend visitations as well).

07. Decide what the deceased will wear (if buried). 08. Select the music for the funeral service. 09. Choose literature to be read at the funeral service. 10. Arrange for funeral transportation (funeral coach, lim-

ousine, clergy car, etc. )11. Choose the clergy or the officiator. 12. Select who you want to be the pallbearers. 13. Select which family member or friend is going to per-

form the eulogy.14. Choose a cemetery (if not already chosen by the de-

ceased). 15. Select a burial or cremation plot (if not already chosen

by the deceased). 16. Submit the obituary to the appropriate newspapers, etc.

Depending on whether or not the death was expected, many of these considerations may have already been planned by the deceased. If the death was sudden, chances are there will be more planning on your part.

Funeral Planning Planning BeForehand Can Make a diFFiCult tiMe that MuCh easier

| 35

| Golden YEARS Guide

Because

Lynchburg Deserves MoreThe Whitten family has been serving this

community for three generations. We’ve been there foryour family, providing compassionate, caring servicewhen you’ve needed it most.

Over the years, though, things have changed.Families have spread out, moving out of the area andsometimes across the country. We realize that thesechanges and others have made it difficult for funeral

homes to offer the services our community needed –services that allow us to reach across America, and theworld, to keep you connected to loved ones in yourtime of need.

That’s why we proudly joined the Dignity Memorialnetwork in 1993. We now bring more world-class services toLynchburg – many of which are only available through theDignity Memorial network and Whitten Funeral Homes.

Away From Home Protection®

24-Hour Comassion Helpline®National Transferability

Bereavement TravelPersonal Planning Services

Grief Support

Veterans BenefitsChild & Grandchild Protection

Paul C. Whitten, President

Call today to learn what we can do for you.

www.whittenfuneralhome.com

In LynchburgWHITTEN PARK AVENUE CHAPEL

(434) 845-4521WHITTEN TIMBERLAKE CHAPEL

(434) 239-0331

In Madison HeightsWHITTEN MONELISON CHAPEL

(434) 929-5712

You will need to come together and support each other and make sure you each contribute your part to the planning process. Don’t put the burden on just one person; it’s too much to deal with at a time which is already very stressful.

Preplanned Funerals Give Older Adults ControlThough families may find the topic difficult to discuss,

the preplanning of funeral arrangements helps to ensure that an older person’s wishes are met and reduces the survivors vulnerability to sales pressure during a period of emotional stress.

Pre-planning can begin at any time, most often in con-junction with the establishment of other financial and legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney.

“Some families have long-established patterns for funer-als and burials,” says James 0. Pinkerton, CFSP, a funeral director at Orion C. Pinkerton Funeral home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a member of the executive board of the National Funeral Directors Association in Milwaukee, Wis-consin. “If a family always uses the same funeral home and has a large family plot in a certain cemetery, an individual really doesn’t need much preplanning.”

Upon request funeral directors are obligated to provide a general price list with the cost of each individual funeral item and service offered. The price list also should disclose legal rights and requirements about funeral arrangements. For example, embalming is not required by law except under special circumstances, but it can become a required purchase with certain arrangements, such as a funeral with a viewing.

Individuals who wish to be cremated can deal directly with a state cremation society, says Jack Springer, executive director of the Cremation Association of North America, based in Chicago. Nationwide (as of 2006), about 20 percent of all individuals now select cremation over burial, and states with large concentrations of older adults have cremation rates as high as 40 percent, Springer says. Preplanning is essential, since most states require a deceased person’s next of kin to sign an authorization form permitting cremation. “An individual who wants this option must make his or her wishes known to family members,” Springer points out.

From Funeral Service Consumer Assistance Program, Nation-al Research & Information Center, and National Funeral Directors Association.

36 |

$100 OFFANY JOB $1200 OR MORE!

Mention or present coupon at contract signing. Not good with any other offer or discount.

434-401-7000

Expires 3/31/13

KLM BUILDERS General Contractor • Lynchburg, VA

Licensed & Insured

434.239.5122 • 434.401.7000www.klmbuilders.com

Previous KLM Projects

Established 1994

Senior Citizen Discount

28 years of experience in the building trade.

Residential-Light Commercial

References available upon request

Prompt attention to your inquiry - WE SHOW UP ON TIME!

“Honesty ~ Integrity ~ Craftsmanship”

GOLDEN YEARSSENIOR DISCOUNT DEALS

FROM LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

| 37

If your business offers a Senior Discount of any kind, and you want more Seniors to know about it and become your new customers, contact [email protected]!

RandyThePlumber.com

SERVICE WORK

10% OFF Mention or present coupon at contract signing. Not good with any other offer or discount.

Randy the Plumber & Son, 434-841-2255

Expires 3/31/13

Locally Owned & Operated

Prompt, Courteous Service

Guaranteed Work

Service & Repair

Drain Cleaning

Water Heaters

Faucets


38 |

10% OFFKITCHEN BACKSPLASH LABOR-50 SQ. FT. OR OVER

Mention or present coupon at contract signing. Not good with any other offer or discount.

Precision Marble & Tile, 434-401-9898

Expires 3/31/13

Customer Satisfaction Is Our Top Priority

Residential and Commercial

Professional Installation of Ceramic Tile & All Natural Stones

Over 30 years Combined Experience

Competitive Pricing

Working Throughout Virginia

PrecisionTileOnline.com 434-401-9898

PrecisionMarble & Tile


434-426-9566

Geoghegan Builders Inc. is a full service Contractor offering the finest in complete home remodeling, design and repair since 2000.

Whether you need a new kitchen or bathroom, an addition, a renovation or custom cabinetry, we are here for all your needs and to make life around your home more enjoyable.

OUR SERVICESROOM ADDITIONS

• BATHROOMS • COUNTERTOPS • PAINTING • SCREEN PORCHES• CUSTOM

REMODELING

KITCHENS • RENOVATIONS • CABINETS • CUSTOM TRIM • MILLWORK• IMPROVEMENTS

GARAGES• SIDING • WOOD

FLOORING • ROOFING • CUSTOM

CLOSETS

| 39

2012 Conference on Aging Held

Nathalie Woman Wins Gift Certificate

The annual Conference on Aging was held at Lynchburg College last May, presented by the Beard Center on Aging. About 360 attendees enjoyed free health screenings, about 50 exhibits, a silent auction, buffet luncheon and various workshops that addressed age-related topics. Plan to attend the 2013 Conference On Aging June 4!

The morning keynote address was by Dr. Peter Betz of Centra Health, and the closing keynote was by the nationally known Nikki Giovanni, poet, speaker and educator. During the luncheon, awards of recognition were presented to those below by Denise Scruggs, Director of the Beard Center and event organizer.

Seventy-something Colleen Scott of Nathalie, VA filled out and mailed in to us a Reader Survey and won a Dinner-For-4 Gift Certificate from Golden Corral at a random drawing. On her survey she indicated that she was a first-time reader, found the information in the GYG to be useful, and was partially retired. She planned to keep her copy of GYG for future reference.

Gertrude McCoy, LynchburgDavid Shapiro, Lincoln, NebraskaGloria Martin, RustburgMichael Middleton, ForestMary Stevenson, Madison HeightsCarrie Wood, BedfordLinda Moore, ForestPat Wilhelm, LynchburgSherry Creasy, HuddlestonMargaret Cooper, AmherstPatricia Trice, LynchburgBurdy Saunders, Huddleston

LaWanna Holman, LynchburgCaroline Crow, LynchburgDebbie Woody, ForestJane Owen, LynchburgShadene Turner, LynchburgLaurence Woody, LynchburgRoberta Lewis, LynchburgVirginia Governor, LynchburgBrenda Booze, ForestFrances Baker, EvingtonKaren Stanley, LynchburgAnn Middleton, Forest

Barbara Wood, Madison HeightsJanet Cofer, LynchburgMartha Stimpson, Madison HeightsLenora Dane, LynchburgElizabeth Coleman, LynchburgPhillis Watkins, Big IslandTheresa Hibbard, Madison HeightsNorman Pedigo, BedfordColleen Scott, NathalieRebecca Sanders, Lynchburg

A Big Thank-You to All…

Gary Cooper of “Senior News” was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribu-tion to Positive Aging in Region 2000 award through his community work.

Elizabeth Shultz of Home Instead Senior Care was honored as the Professional Caregiver of the Year award, having pro-vided about 7000 hrs. of client service.

Dr. Charles Driscoll, a family physician, was recognized as one of five geriatri-cians of note in the nationally distributed Aging Well magazine.

40 |

Laughter Beats Drugs!“You’re only young once, but you can be immature all your life.” – Charles Scoggins “An old-timer is someone who can remember when a naughty child was taken to the woodshed instead of to a psychiatrist.” – David Greenberg“Old age is an excellent time for outrage. My goal is to say or do at least one outrageous thing every week.” – Maggie Kuhn“Inside every 70-year-old is a 35-year-old asking, ‘What happened?’” – Ann Landers “As a senior citizen, you may as well learn to laugh at yourself. Everyone else is.” – Judy Huffman“Laughter doesn’t require teeth.” – Wil Newton

INDEX OF ADVERTISERSA.G. Jefferson Opticians . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

All Washed Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

At Home Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Bentley Commons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Blue Ridge ENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Centra Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

CVAAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Elite Home Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Gastroenterology Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Geoghagen Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

GME Medical Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Independent Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

KLM Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Liberty University Planned Giving . . . . . . . . . .19

Piedmont Eye Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Piedmont Medicare Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Precision Marble & Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Randy the Plumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Runk & Pratt Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Tharpe Funeral Home & Crematory . . . . . . . .35

Towne Bank Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Valley View Retirement Community . . . . . . . . .18

Westminster Canterbury . . . . . . . . 4,back cover

Whitten Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Williams Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Lynchburg - the main City library; the Lynchburg Community Market; All Kroger stores; Lynchburg Senior Centers; Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Dept.; Lynchburg Regional Social Security office; Thomas Rd. Senior Saints; Central VA Area Agency on

Aging; Golden Corral and participating advertisers. Bedford County - Forest Krogers, Forest Post Office; Campbell County - all 4 libraries (Timbrook branch next to Food Lion on Timberlake Rd., Rustburg, Altavista & Brookneal), and reception areas of 50 Greater

Lynchburg physician offices.Call 455-2726 for extra copies for your church or place of business while supplies last!

Central Virginia’s Golden Years Guide DISTRIBUTORS INCLUDE-

| 41

42 |

$6.69Senior Early Bird BuffetMon.–Fri. 1–4PM

51

Golden 50 Guide

ATHLETICS FOR 55+Bowling, Softball, Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Virginia Senior Games . . . . . 455-4000 or (804) 730-9447

DINING CENTERS & HOME DELIVERED MEALSCongregate Meal Sites, . . . . . . . . . . . Altavista-369-7141; Appomattox Co.- . . . . . . . 352-7820; Bedford- 586-4108; Lynchburg- . . . . . 846-5752; MadisonHeights- 929-6443; Moneta- . . . (540) 297-5028; Montvale- (540) 297-5028.Home Delivered Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Meals On Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-0796Shepherd's Table, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-6820

DISEASE / HEALTH INFORMATIONAlzheimer Asso. of Central VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-8540American Asso. of Kidney Patients . . . . . 1-800-749-2257American Board of Medical Specialties . . 1-866-275-2267American Diabetes Asso . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-342-2383American Heart Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-277-8009American Kidney Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-638-8299American Lung Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-586-4872Arthritis Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-456-4687Easter Seal Society of VA Inc. . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-1656Leukemia Society of America/VA Chap . . 1-800-866-4483Multiple Sclerosis Society/Cent. VA . . . . . 1-800-451-0373Muscular Dystrophy Asso. Main Office. . . 1-800-572-1717Myasthenia Gravis Found./VA Chap. . . . . 1-800-728-4405National Cancer Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-422-6237National Eye Care Project . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-222-3937Virginia Department for the Aging. . . . . . . 1-800-552-3402Virginia Health Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-844-4636

FINANCING CARE & BASIC NEEDSBill Doyle Memorial Wheelchair Program . . . . . . 947-4696Career Connect, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Fan Care Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Home Repair from C.V.A.A.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Homemaker Service from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Insurance Counseling from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . 385-9070Medication Management/ Prescription Assist. . . 385-9070 Senior Employment from L.O.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-5940Social Security Administration . . . . . . 1-800-772-1213Virginia Dept. of Social Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1551

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Information & Referral of Central VA . . . . 1-800-230-6977Volunteer Services Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

HOSPICE CARECarilion Hospice Services, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . 587-6592Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-6270Hospice of the Hills, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-3204

LEGAL, TAX & RELATED RESOURCESCenter for Elder Rights/Aging Services . . 1-800-552-3402Legal Aid by Central VA Area Agency Aging . . . . 385-9070Legal Aid Society of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-4722Legal Information Network for Cancer . . . . . . . . 528-4722Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Program . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTSAmherst Co.-946-9371; Appomattox Co.- 352-7125;

Bedford City-587-6061; Bedford Co.- 586-7682; CampbellCo.-332-9570; Lynchburg-455-5858 SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Amherst Co.-946-9330; Appomattox Co.-352-7125;Bedford Co. -586-7750; Campbell Co. -592-9585

SENIOR ORGANIZATIONSAgeless Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erma Styles 821-0528Amer. Asso. of Retired People (AARP) . . (800) 523-5800Ceramic Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Couples' Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Golden Merrymakers. . . . . . . . . . . . Vivian Lazo 821-5924Lynchburg College Beard Center on Aging. . . . . 544-8456Photography Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000New Chapter Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-400055 Plus @ Thomas Rd. Bapt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-2010National Asso. of Retired Federal Employees. . . 525-0115

SUPPORT GROUPSAlzheimer's Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . . . 845-8540Breast Cancer Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . 947-5127"I Can Cope" by American Cancer Society . . . . . 845-0973Singles Mingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Telecare (Crisis Line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-5921Widow to Widow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-8900

TRANSPORTATION SERVICESAmherst (JAUNT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-2868 Appomattox (CVAAA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Bedford Ride Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-3315Dial-A-Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Greater Lynchburg Transit Co. GLTC . . . . . . . . . 847-7771Lynchburg Senior Adult Programs . . . . . . 455-5860 ext. 5

Important Phone Numbers

30864-AAP-Golden50Guide:Text 6/11/2008 9:58 AM Page 51

. . . .

| 43

Experience Life Refreshed.

Blue skies on a leisurely stroll, a mid-morning swim, sharing a laugh withclose friends — whether your dreams include tranquility or adventure,start life anew at Westminster Canterbury. You’ll be inspired by the beautifulsurroundings, resort-like atmosphere and warm, inviting neighborhood. Plus,our comprehensive services let you relax and do what you enjoy most. Onceyou’ve joined, you won’t call it retirement. You’ll call it Life Refreshed.

Start planning your future at Westminster Canterbury.

Call Laura Hunter at (434) 386-3305 or (800) 962-3520.

A LifeCare Retirement Community501 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503

www.wclynchburg.org

Swimmer7.75x9.75Ad4.12GoldenYears_Layout 1 4/24/12 7:58 PM Page 1

Documents

Golden Years Guide 2012