How To Guide Spring Edition 2013

GUIDEMARCH 2013

HOWA Special Publication of the

I-75 Newspaper GroupSidney Daily NewsTroy Daily NewsPiqua Daily Call

adependable,qualified jeweler

with Allison’s...

CamoWedding Bands

Thank You for

38 years ofContinued Support and

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104 E. Mason RoadSidney, OH

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Closed Sun

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You would never go to a doctor before checking theircredentials and references, so why wouldn’t you do thesame when taking your car in for collision repair?Sidney Body CARSTARAuto Body Repair Experts

offers the following tips for getting to know a collisionshop before turning over your car to them.“It’s all about doing your research, making sure

they are well-trained, certified and financially solid,and confirming all of the details of the repair processin writing,” said TomMartin, Owner, of Sidney BodyCARSTAR. “Just doing some homework in advancecan save a lot of headaches and money in the longrun.”When you choose a body shop for repairs, remem-

ber:� Do your homework and check out the shop, their

reputation, the business or trade associations they be-long to and if their technicians are I-CAR Trained.

� All reputable repair facilities will offer a war-ranty of some sort for the work that they com-plete…make sure it is in writing and well explained toyou.

� If the repair work is being done in a shop that theinsurance company recommended, they will haveleverage to assist you should there be an issue in the

process or after the repair is complete.� Only trust your vehicle to an established body

shop business. Beware of fly-by-night operators tryingto make a quick buck off of weather events like hailstorms or tornadoes. If they are set up in a tent ortemporary location, don’t trust them with your vehi-cle.

� Visit the body shop and survey the location. Ifthe lobby, customer areas and repair bays are cleanand well-organized, it’s more likely the business is runwell.Talk with the body shop staff to determine if they

will treat you with respect and honesty.Once your car arrives at the body shop for repairs,

there are some things you should keep in mind to en-sure you receive a quality repair:

� Review the estimate in detail, but remember thatit is for the visible damage and what it will take to re-pair the vehicle to pre-accident condition. If the esti-mate does not cover the full extent of damage, aSupplement will be created, submitted to your or theother person’s insurance company for approval.

� Get an exact timeline of when the work will bedone and when the job will be completed.

� Detail the payment terms and methods, including

downpayment, final payment and costs for any follow-up work.

� Ask the store manager for regular updates on thejob, and require approval for any work done outsidethe original estimate.

� Don’t be pressured to accept the completed repairif you don’t think it’s right. Contact your insuranceagent for guidance.While your car is in the body shop, it’s a good time

to have other dents and dings repaired. It should bemore cost-effective and your car will ultimately bene-fit.“Taking your car to a body shop doesn’t have to be

an intimidating or frightening process,” Martin added.“A good collision center is your partner in repairingyour car and returning you to the road safely. Youwant to make sure you do your research to find a part-ner that truly fits your repair needs.”CARSTAR Collision Service offers high-quality, reli-

able repair service in 28 states and 10 Canadianprovinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you need avehicle repair and they will send the tow truck, con-tact your insurance company, arrange for a rental carand repair your car. For information and store loca-tions visit www.CARSTAR.com.

How to get to know your collision repair shop2 March 2013 CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE • I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP • CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE March 2013 11

Diamond shopping can be very fun and exciting,but with numerous options it can also be a verydaunting task. As with any major purchase, it is bestfor consumers to be aware of exactly what they arepurchasing. To the naked eye two diamonds may ap-pear the same, but in actuality they may havegreatly different values.“It’s important for consumers to have general

knowledge of a stone’s quality before they purchaseit,” Jon Allison, owner of Allison’s Custom Jewelry,said.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has

established a standard system for grading the qual-ity of diamonds, commonly known as the four C’s.The four C’s include: cut, carat, color and clarity.Cut refers to a diamond’s angles and proportions.

Cut is commonly misinterpreted with the diamond’sshape.While cut and shape are related, it is the cutof the diamond that determines how much light willbe reflected, which creates that sought after sparkleeffect. The better the diamond’s cut, the more light itwill reflect. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shal-low the light entering through the top will escapethrough the bottom.Shape is merely a matter of personal preference.

The eight most popular shapes are round, marquise,pear, oval, emerald, princess, radiant and heart.Since round diamonds are the most symmetrical andcapable of capturing and reflecting the most light, itis the most brilliant of all diamond shapes.Carat refers to the diamond’s weight. This is often

confused with size, but the two are also related.Carat is the easiest of the four C’s to determine. Onecarat is the equivalent to .20 grams. One carat canalso be divided into 100 “points,” so for example a 75point diamond weighs .75 carats. Fine quality can befound in diamonds of all carat weights. A diamondwith a smaller carat weight can be more valuablethan one with a larger weight, if the smaller dia-mond has fewer imperfections.Color refers to the degree to which a diamond is

colorless. Diamonds are graded on a color scale rang-ing from D, colorless, to Z, vivid yellow. Colorless dia-monds are most valuable. The difference betweenone color grade to the next, such as G to H, is verysubtle and hard to detect by the untrained eye. Thisis why diamonds are graded under controlled light-ing conditions and are compared to a master set foraccuracy.While increasing shades of yellow do decrease a

diamond’s value, it may not decrease its beauty. Ifthe diamond is cut well, the amount of light it dis-perses can often disguise certain degrees of discol-oration. The average purchased diamond carries agrade of I or J.Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a di-

amond. Most diamonds have natural birthmarkscalled inclusions. These inclusions are identifyingcharacteristics, such as minerals or fractures, whichoccurred while the diamond was forming in theearth. Most are not visible to the naked eye. There-fore, jewelers use 10x magnification to get a betterview of the diamond’s inclusions.While inclusions donot generally affect the diamond’s beauty and usu-ally cannot be seen, their presence reduces the price.Clarity is graded on a scale with a range from inter-nally flawless (IF), very very small inclusions(VVS1-VVS2), very small inclusions (VS1-VS2),small inclusions (SI1-SI2) to imperfect (I1-I2-I3)with eye visible inclusions.“Quality is up to the individual as to how much

they want to spend,” Allison said. “Different factorsaffect every consumer’s decision. The thing is tryingto get the best possible look out of the stone for thebest value.”

How to choose the right diamond for you

BBrruummbbaauugghh && CCllaarrkk,, LLLLCCA Legal Professional Association

Jeff Brumbaugh Christopher D. ClarkAttorney at Law Attorney at Law

Practicing in the following areas of Law:Elder Law Civil Litigation

Medicaid Planning Personal InjuryTrusts Medical Malpractice

Powers Of Attorney GuardianshipsWills Estates

Now with offices in:Troy (937) 332-0138 Wapakoneta (567) 356-5070

Springfield (937) 629-3529 Marysville (937) 214-0684

10 March 2013 CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE • I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP • CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE March 2013 3

People have many opinions about whether youshould transfer assets when you want to protect themfrom nursing home and other health care costs. TheOhio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)calls the transfer of assets an improper transfer, butthere is absolutely nothing illegal about making such atransfer. In fact, transferring assets may be the appro-priate thing to do if it is mom’s or dad’s wishes thattheir entire estate not be consumed by ever increasinghealth care costs.Anyone, your neighbor, your banker, your health

care professional, your financial or legal professional,who advises you that your only option is to spend all ofyour assets until you reach $1,500 doesn’t understandthe current Medicaid rules as they relate to the trans-fer of assets.

Some Common Misconceptions1) An improper transfer of assets is illegal. This is

just not true. The Internal Revenue Service calls thesame transfer a gift and there is nothing illegal aboutmaking gifts at any time in your life.

2) An improper transfer will make the person seek-ing Medicaid benefits ineligible for five years.Again, nottrue.When ODJFS reviews bank and financial recordsfor the past five years (and they will!), they look fortransfers. If they find any, they must apply a formula todetermine a period of ineligibility.

3) People with money should pay their way untilthey reach $1,500 and qualify for Medicaid only aftertheir money is gone.The answer here is what did mom or dad really

want. Do they want to have worked their entire livesonly to give it all up for health care costs, or do theywant to leave something for their families, their church,their grandkids, or any other charity? In short, do theywant to control where their assets end up or do theywant to give it all to the health care system and lose allcontrol.But an analogy is in order here. The Internal Rev-

enue Service states that youMAY take deductions onyour taxes for your children, for your home mortgage,and for many other things that the IRS allows, as longas the deductions are legal and within the rules. Butthe IRS does not say that youMUST take those deduc-tions. In other words, if you don’t know the deductionsare available or you just feel that you aren’t payingenough in taxes, you can always not take the deduc-tions and send the IRS more money!!!Understanding the Medicaid rules is no different. If

you understand them and use them properly, you cantake the legal “deduction” that the rules offer. Alterna-tively, you can continue giving them too much money.

Concerns with Transfers1) Timing is extremely critical. The actual dates of

the transfers are not as critical, but the Medicaid appli-cation date is!!

2) Identifying and getting the proper valuations onproperty to be transferred is critical.

3) Identifying what property that can be trans-ferred is critical.

4) Understanding your options with real estate.5)Who will handle the transferred assets?6) Can assets be transferred after someone is al-

ready in the nursing home? (YES, by the way!)In short, transfer planning can be a very valuable

tool in preserving assets. This tool provides flexibilityin managing the assets, avoids probate and Ohio Es-tate Recovery, and maintains quality and dignity of lifefor mom or dad.Without this planning and once resources are ex-

hausted, mom or dad in the facility will exist on $40per month.With this planning, they can still make giftsto their kids and grandkids, to the church or othercause.As with any other planning tool, it is extremely im-

portant to review your situation and goals carefully be-fore making any decisions. Nothing in this article isintended as specific legal advice and a qualified attor-ney should be consulted to review your particular cir-cumstances.

– Jeff Brumbaugh,Attorney at Law

How to protect your assets by moving them


The first and most important step inthe home purchase process should be todetermine if you have the credit abilityto finance a home.A prospective buyer should call a local

bank that specializes in home loans suchasWestern Ohio Mortgage Corporationfor a pre-qualification. Pre-qualificationwill allow the buyer to know the loanamount they can borrow, the best loantype for their situation and give them aprice range to search for homes. Oftentimes, buyers are disappointed by fallingin love with a home that they later findout they can not afford.Once a prequalification letter is ob-

tained a buyer is free to contact a localRealtor to discuss homes they may be in-terested in and schedule a showing ofhomes you like the most. Most Realtors

will not show a home to a buyer withoutmortgage pre-qualification, so starting atthe bank is the most important step.After the buyer has found a home they

love in a price range they can afford, theoffer process begins with their Realtor.The Realtor presents the offer to the sell-ing party and they can counter, accept orreject. If an agreement is reached be-tween the parties, the home is “in con-tract.” This is the point where the buyerwill meet with their Licensed Loan Offi-cer atWestern Ohio Mortgage Corp to goover formal loan application, income doc-uments, bank statements, employmentand credit report information.Throughout the loan process many

things will take place - Home Inspections(whole house, termite, gas line, etc); Ap-praisal; Water Test; and Income, Credit

and Rent/Mortgage Verification.The Loan Processor will handle all veri-

fications and the Loan Underwriter willmake the decision if you are creditworthyand approve or deny your application.After the credit has been approved by

the Underwriter, a closing date will bescheduled. At closing the buyer will signall legal paperwork to become the newowner of the home and the seller will signto release their liability to the property.After the papers are signed, the keys areput in the buyer's hand and they are nowHomeowners!If you have more specific questions

about how YOU can be a new homeowner– Please call us today atWestern OhioMortgage Corp. 937 497 9662.

How to purchase and finance a home – step by step

705 Fulton Street, Sidney, OH2376446

Rehab and Skilled Care

Your Rehab to Home Experts, Private Rehab Suites

FreeWi-Fi

www.pavilion-sidney.com

FREEPhone

andCable!

For a Private Tour and Additional Information

Visit or Call Jenny Huelskamp at

937-492-9591

Most people don’t think about rehabilitation until they need it. Even then, it’s oftena physician or other health care professional who recommends rehab to continue theperson’s recovery after a disabling illness, injury or surgery.It’s the goal of a rehabilitation facility to help people resume the ordinary activities

of daily life that they enjoyed before: earning a living, raising a family, running ahome, pursuing a hobby, playing sports, living independently.A good rehabilitationprogram offers therapy and education to avoid further injury.The Pavilion of Sidney offers a nurse liaison that collects are medical records prior

to admission so that a patient has less to worry about as well as ensures the staff hasthe necessary information to provide the best care possible.The type of rehabilitation facility you choose depends on the kind of illness or in-

jury experienced and its severity.There are two main types of rehabilitation facilities:Outpatient facilities where patients come and go for treatment on a daily or weekly

basis.Inpatient (or acute care) facilities where patients stay for days, weeks or months,

depending on their condition.Outpatient CareOutpatient activities may stand on their own or be part of a comprehensive rehabil-

itation facility.They commonly have therapy programs for:Sports injuriesHand rehabilitationStroke and other neurological injuriesSpeech-language or cognitive deficitsOrthopedic rehabilitation (includingosteoporosis or arthritis)

Industrial rehabilitation and return-to-workservices

Inpatient or Acute Care FacilitiesMost people who are admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility are recovering

from injuries or illnesses that severely impair their physical functioning or under-

standing. These include:StrokesSpinal cord injuriesChronic pulmonary problemsNeurological disordersJoint replacementsSurgical aftercareOther debilitating conditions.Consider the following factors in selecting an inpatient rehabilitation facility:• Does it have a physical entity equipped with the best in medical care, technology

and facilities?• Does the facility provide 24 hour nursing care?• Are its services well integrated and provided by multi-disciplinary teams?• It is accessible to your family and friends? Is it located near highways?• Does it have a caring and restful atmosphere? • Is the staff friendly and courte-

ous?•What size is the facility? Is it small enough so that a patient doesn’t feel “lost in

the crowd?”• Does it offer more that the basics in terms of facilities and services? For example:

Does it have a pool for aquatic therapy or a sports program for people with disabili-ties?Certain services should be available daily or twice daily: occupational, physical and

speech/language/hearing therapies as well as social work and psychological counsel-ing. Other important services are recreational therapy, vocational training and specialeducation services.Look for a continuum of care from the time of your admission past the time of dis-

charge. Anyone who is disabled will face a long period of adjustment and will needservices that are not anticipated.The Pavilion’s social services directory will coordi-nate home health, therapy,meals and other necessary services for people to return totheir home as soon as possible.

How to choose the right rehabilitation services for you


How to enjoy visits with your senior family memberAnyone who frequently visits a senior adult

who is unable to get out and about will admitthat sometimes the visits can get a bit too rou-tine. The time spent during these visits can beone of the positives that adds quality to the lifeof the older adult you love.The following suggestions are designed to

help create more meaningful time together;� Continue to share family news, and if it is

realistic, involve your loved one in family deci-sion making.

� Go for a ride and enlarge your loved one’sworld.

� If your loved one lives in the long term caresetting, participate in some of the planned ac-tivities. Most activity departments are veryhappy to share their monthly calendar ofevents.

� Bring your own activity. You might want to

take a walk, play cards, listen to a ballgame,watch a favorite TV show together, have a pic-nic on the patio, or bring a family pet for a visit.

� Celebrate a special event. A party is al-ways fun, especially when your loved one is theguest of honor.

� Come for lunch or dinner. Plan your visitaround a meal and socialize at that time.

� Bring family pictures and ask your lovedone to identify some of the people in them.Bring them up to date by sharing pictures ofnewer family members. Share vacation pic-tures too.

� Reminisce. Ask about life in the “old days”and learn something about your roots. Obtain a“Grandparents Book” and record answers forgenerations to come.

� Share your talents. Are you learning some-thing new? Practice your Spanish, your musi-

cal instrument, or share your craft during yourvisit.

� Touch! We all need physical contact withother human beings. During your visit holdyour loved one’s hand and give hugs!

� Be positive. Make your visit a happy eventwith positive words and actions.

� Bring a special treat or favorite food aslong as that particular treat is appropriate foryour loved one to eat.

� If your loved one is confused or forgetful, itmay be necessary to identify yourself by men-tioning your name or your relationship to theperson you are visiting.Your visit doesn’t need to be long in duration.

Your visit does need to be positive, loving, andmost important, it needs to happen. Promiseyourself to visit the senior adult(s) in your lifesoon. It will make your day special too!!

2376684

Comfort Keepers® provides compassionate in-home care that helps seniors live happy,fulfilling lives in the comfort of their ownhomes. Our wide range of services promoteindependence and wellbeing.

Call us today to learn more about our servicesand our in-home safety solutions.

Troy: 937-335-6564

Piqua: 937-773-3333

Sidney: 937-497-1111

In-Home Carethat is Beyond Compare

WWW. C O M F O R T K E E P E R SM I A M I VA L L E Y . C O M

An international network of independently owned and operated offices. | © 2011 CK Franchising, Inc.

S E R V I C E S

IN-HOMECOMPANIONSHIP• Companionship• Meal Preparation• Light Housekeeping• Incidental Transportation• Medication Reminders• Grooming and Dressing Guidance• Laundry

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES• Bathing• Transferring and Positioning• Incontinence Care and Toileting• Oral Hygiene

HOME SAFETY SOLUTIONS• Personal EmergencyResponse Systems

• Medication Solutions

I N -HOME CAR E S E RV I C E S

There are a number of options avail-able for finding help at home. The bestway to start is to assess the needs ofthe person you are caring for. In orderto help you evaluate what type andhow much help you need, consider thefollowing areas of care:• Personal Care: bathing, eating,dressing, toileting• Household Care: cooking, clean-ing, laundry, shopping• Health Care:medication manage-ment, physician’s appointments, physi-cal therapy appointments• Emotional Care: companionship,meaningful activities, conversation

While considering all of the options,it is also important to evaluate the val-ues and preferences of the person re-ceiving care. Your loved one may bemore comfortable with a caregiver whoshares their cultural backgroundand/or language. Also determine ifthey have a preference between maleor female caregivers, particularly ifpersonal care will be provided.The following Needs AssessmentChecklist from Family Care Americawill provide an easy way to evaluatethe care status of your loved ones.Rate the following with these numeri-cal values:1. Accomplishes along2. Needs Some Help3. Needs Much Help

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING(ADLS)BathingDressingGroomingToiletingEating a nutritious dietGetting out of bedGetting out of chairWalkingINSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES

OF DAILY LIVING (IADLS)Using the telephoneShopping for personal itemsTransportationManaging moneyDoing laundryDoing light houseworkPreparing meals

How to assess your home-care needs


An Adult Day Care Center provides struc-tured programming that includes health, so-cial and supportive services in a safe settingdaily.Suggestions to help guide you in choosing

the right setting for you:Needs identification:What services are important?Does the center provide:A safe, secure environment?What types of social activities are provided?Is there assistance provided for activities of

daily living such as eating, walking, bathing,grooming, taking medicines?Is therapy provided, physical, occupational

or speech therapy?Are nursing services available, can the staff

assist with monitoring health needs includingblood pressure checks, monitoring blood sugarlevels, weight, or monitoring food and liquidintakes?

Are nutritious meals / snack provided andcan special dietary needs be accommodated?What type of exercise program is offered,

what types of programs are offered for mentalstimulation?As a loved one or caregiver do you

need:Coverage during hours you are working?Free time to shop, clean or just rest?Is transportation to and from the center pro-

vided?Locate an Adult Day Care CenterContact your local Area Agency on Aging at

1-800-258-7277Make an appointment to visit the cen-

ter to ask questions.How long has the center been in operation?What are the hours?What is the daily cost?Is transportation provided and what is the

cost?

Is there any financial assistance available?What is the staff to client ratio?What services are offered? Activities?

Meals?Can you drop in any time you want to check

on your loved one?The next step is to try it out:Ask about whether a free trial day is offered,

even if none is offered, try it for a few days. Ittakes time for anyone to adjust to a new set-ting and to get comfortable in a new routine.Then take time to take care of yourself,

knowing you can contact the center to check inat any time.In Shelby County the Adult Day Services of

Shelby County is open Monday through Fridayand offers a variety of activities, the staff cananswer the questions you may have to helpyou determine if this is the right setting foryou or your loved one. To learn more callRobin Burleson, Interim Director at 492-6900.

How to choose an adult day care center

You put your heartinto everything you do.

So do we.

2376444

3003 West Cisco Road, Sidney, OH 45365www.dorothylove.com

Call Lu Ann Presser at(937) 497-6542

At Dorothy Love Retirement Community we valueyou and the things you value...

Security, FreedomCaring, ChoicesAt Dorothy Love you’ll have the security and comfort of

a spacious house or apartment. Plus you’ll experience thepeace of mind, knowing that should you need them,Assisted Living and Health Care are available.

We invite you to visit us and discover why Dorothy Loveis called the“Heart of Retirement Living”.

Just figuring out where to start is often thebiggest hurdle. Begin by creating a diagram of thefloor plan of your new place. Do it to scale on graphpaper and remember to include details such aswindows and doors. Make extra copies to practicewith. Next, take an inventory of the furniture andbigger items in your current home that you want totake with you. Measure each piece and use cardstock paper to recreate each piece to scale. Thenyou’ll be able to move your “furniture” around onthe graph paper. This will help you determine whatwill fit in to your new home.If you are moving to a retirement community

ask if they have someone who will assist you withthis process. They often do. “We find that helpingfuture residents determine which pieces of furni-ture to move with them and which to leave behind,is often all they need to help them get started withthe planning process,” explains Lu Ann Presser,Marketing Director.Once you’ve determined what goes and what

stays, its time to start lining up supplies. You’llneed sturdy boxes, trash bags, packing tape, rolls ofpaper towels, or newspaper to wrap breakables in,

and different colored plastic storage tubs. Also, pickup a set of 5x8 index cards on a spiral ring from anoffice supply store when you stop in for packingtape. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of permanentmarkers too.After you’ve lined up your supplies, you are

ready to begin sorting and packing. The best start-ing points are storage areas like basements andgarages, and rooms you don’t use very often likeextra bedrooms. Have different colored storageavailable to throw things in according to destina-tion. Consider one tub for things to go to children,one for charity, and another for garage sale itemsand so on. Have lots of trash bags available too.As you pack each box, write the number of the

box and the room it will go to on the outside. Onyour index cards, list the box number and theitems you are packing in that box. That way whenyou are all moved in and need your coffee grinderor your extra shower curtain, you can quickly flipthrough the index cards to determine which boxthey are in.Start by sorting the larger items in each room,

working your way down to the smaller ones. Since

you’ll no doubt be sorting items you’ve had aroundfor many years, there will no doubt be emotionaltimes for you.As you work your way in to packing in the more

trafficked areas of your home, remember that thesewill probably be items you use more often. Markboxes you’ll need to open first with “Priority” on theoutside.Also consider putting together two special boxes

(or suitcases) to make your move easier. These willstay with you as you travel in your car to your newhome. First, put together a “Keep with You” box.This will contain medications, financial statements,insurance policies and other important documents.The second box is the “Quick Fix Box.” This will

be all of the items you’ll need first after you arriveat your new home. You’ll want to include a clock, acoffee pot (including filters, coffee, creamer), plasticsilverware, paper plates, bottle opener, can opener,extension cords, light bulbs, and basic tools.Hopefully, these basic tips for systematically

downsizing will help you have a smoother, lessstressful move to your new home.

How to make “your best move ever”

We want your loved one to feel at home at our house. While providing nursing care, we also want to providethe attention and love that they deserve. We strive to make this "like home" as much as possible for them.

“Proud to be part of this community”

For admission information please contact Robin Burleson, LSW (937) 492-6900

Voted #1 Nursing Home in Shelby County!

Fair HavenShelby County Homewww.fairhavenservices.com

AdultDaycareServicesof Shelby County

We offer...• Transportation• Meals • Activities• Full & Part Time• Passport Accepted• Private Pay Programs

Specializing in

Rehabilitation...to help your loved one return home!

Because we

Care about Seniors!!!

2376

653


An Adult Day Care Center provides struc-tured programming that includes health, so-cial and supportive services in a safe settingdaily.Suggestions to help guide you in choosing

the right setting for you:Needs identification:What services are important?Does the center provide:A safe, secure environment?What types of social activities are provided?Is there assistance provided for activities of

daily living such as eating, walking, bathing,grooming, taking medicines?Is therapy provided, physical, occupational

or speech therapy?Are nursing services available, can the staff

assist with monitoring health needs includingblood pressure checks, monitoring blood sugarlevels, weight, or monitoring food and liquidintakes?

Are nutritious meals / snack provided andcan special dietary needs be accommodated?What type of exercise program is offered,

what types of programs are offered for mentalstimulation?As a loved one or caregiver do you

need:Coverage during hours you are working?Free time to shop, clean or just rest?Is transportation to and from the center pro-

vided?Locate an Adult Day Care CenterContact your local Area Agency on Aging at

1-800-258-7277Make an appointment to visit the cen-

ter to ask questions.How long has the center been in operation?What are the hours?What is the daily cost?Is transportation provided and what is the

cost?

Is there any financial assistance available?What is the staff to client ratio?What services are offered? Activities?

Meals?Can you drop in any time you want to check

on your loved one?The next step is to try it out:Ask about whether a free trial day is offered,

even if none is offered, try it for a few days. Ittakes time for anyone to adjust to a new set-ting and to get comfortable in a new routine.Then take time to take care of yourself,

knowing you can contact the center to check inat any time.In Shelby County the Adult Day Services of

Shelby County is open Monday through Fridayand offers a variety of activities, the staff cananswer the questions you may have to helpyou determine if this is the right setting foryou or your loved one. To learn more callRobin Burleson, Interim Director at 492-6900.

How to choose an adult day care centerJust figuring out where to start is often the

biggest hurdle. Begin by creating a diagram of thefloor plan of your new place. Do it to scale on graphpaper and remember to include details such aswindows and doors. Make extra copies to practicewith. Next, take an inventory of the furniture andbigger items in your current home that you want totake with you. Measure each piece and use cardstock paper to recreate each piece to scale. Thenyou’ll be able to move your “furniture” around onthe graph paper. This will help you determine whatwill fit in to your new home.If you are moving to a retirement community

ask if they have someone who will assist you withthis process. They often do. “We find that helpingfuture residents determine which pieces of furni-ture to move with them and which to leave behind,is often all they need to help them get started withthe planning process,” explains Lu Ann Presser,Marketing Director.Once you’ve determined what goes and what

stays, its time to start lining up supplies. You’llneed sturdy boxes, trash bags, packing tape, rolls ofpaper towels, or newspaper to wrap breakables in,

and different colored plastic storage tubs. Also, pickup a set of 5x8 index cards on a spiral ring from anoffice supply store when you stop in for packingtape. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of permanentmarkers too.After you’ve lined up your supplies, you are

ready to begin sorting and packing. The best start-ing points are storage areas like basements andgarages, and rooms you don’t use very often likeextra bedrooms. Have different colored storageavailable to throw things in according to destina-tion. Consider one tub for things to go to children,one for charity, and another for garage sale itemsand so on. Have lots of trash bags available too.As you pack each box, write the number of the

box and the room it will go to on the outside. Onyour index cards, list the box number and theitems you are packing in that box. That way whenyou are all moved in and need your coffee grinderor your extra shower curtain, you can quickly flipthrough the index cards to determine which boxthey are in.Start by sorting the larger items in each room,

working your way down to the smaller ones. Since

you’ll no doubt be sorting items you’ve had aroundfor many years, there will no doubt be emotionaltimes for you.As you work your way in to packing in the more

trafficked areas of your home, remember that thesewill probably be items you use more often. Markboxes you’ll need to open first with “Priority” on theoutside.Also consider putting together two special boxes

(or suitcases) to make your move easier. These willstay with you as you travel in your car to your newhome. First, put together a “Keep with You” box.This will contain medications, financial statements,insurance policies and other important documents.The second box is the “Quick Fix Box.” This will

be all of the items you’ll need first after you arriveat your new home. You’ll want to include a clock, acoffee pot (including filters, coffee, creamer), plasticsilverware, paper plates, bottle opener, can opener,extension cords, light bulbs, and basic tools.Hopefully, these basic tips for systematically

downsizing will help you have a smoother, lessstressful move to your new home.

How to make “your best move ever”

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• Beautiful, comfortable amenities• Healthy, delicious meals preparedto spark the appetite

• Reassurance of care providers24 hours/day, 7 days/week

• Safety through the personalemergency call system

• Socialization and lifeenhancement opportunities

• Transportation available• For more informationor a tour of our facility callDebbie Adkins at 778-9385

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How to enjoy visits with your senior family memberAnyone who frequently visits a senior adult

who is unable to get out and about will admitthat sometimes the visits can get a bit too rou-tine. The time spent during these visits can beone of the positives that adds quality to the lifeof the older adult you love.The following suggestions are designed to

help create more meaningful time together;� Continue to share family news, and if it is

realistic, involve your loved one in family deci-sion making.

� Go for a ride and enlarge your loved one’sworld.

� If your loved one lives in the long term caresetting, participate in some of the planned ac-tivities. Most activity departments are veryhappy to share their monthly calendar ofevents.

� Bring your own activity. You might want to

take a walk, play cards, listen to a ballgame,watch a favorite TV show together, have a pic-nic on the patio, or bring a family pet for a visit.

� Celebrate a special event. A party is al-ways fun, especially when your loved one is theguest of honor.

� Come for lunch or dinner. Plan your visitaround a meal and socialize at that time.

� Bring family pictures and ask your lovedone to identify some of the people in them.Bring them up to date by sharing pictures ofnewer family members. Share vacation pic-tures too.

� Reminisce. Ask about life in the “old days”and learn something about your roots. Obtain a“Grandparents Book” and record answers forgenerations to come.

� Share your talents. Are you learning some-thing new? Practice your Spanish, your musi-

cal instrument, or share your craft during yourvisit.

� Touch! We all need physical contact withother human beings. During your visit holdyour loved one’s hand and give hugs!

� Be positive. Make your visit a happy eventwith positive words and actions.

� Bring a special treat or favorite food aslong as that particular treat is appropriate foryour loved one to eat.

� If your loved one is confused or forgetful, itmay be necessary to identify yourself by men-tioning your name or your relationship to theperson you are visiting.Your visit doesn’t need to be long in duration.

Your visit does need to be positive, loving, andmost important, it needs to happen. Promiseyourself to visit the senior adult(s) in your lifesoon. It will make your day special too!!

There are a number of options avail-able for finding help at home. The bestway to start is to assess the needs ofthe person you are caring for. In orderto help you evaluate what type andhow much help you need, consider thefollowing areas of care:• Personal Care: bathing, eating,dressing, toileting• Household Care: cooking, clean-ing, laundry, shopping• Health Care:medication manage-ment, physician’s appointments, physi-cal therapy appointments• Emotional Care: companionship,meaningful activities, conversation

While considering all of the options,it is also important to evaluate the val-ues and preferences of the person re-ceiving care. Your loved one may bemore comfortable with a caregiver whoshares their cultural backgroundand/or language. Also determine ifthey have a preference between maleor female caregivers, particularly ifpersonal care will be provided.The following Needs AssessmentChecklist from Family Care Americawill provide an easy way to evaluatethe care status of your loved ones.Rate the following with these numeri-cal values:1. Accomplishes along2. Needs Some Help3. Needs Much Help

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING(ADLS)BathingDressingGroomingToiletingEating a nutritious dietGetting out of bedGetting out of chairWalkingINSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES

OF DAILY LIVING (IADLS)Using the telephoneShopping for personal itemsTransportationManaging moneyDoing laundryDoing light houseworkPreparing meals

How to assess your home-care needs


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The first and most important step inthe home purchase process should be todetermine if you have the credit abilityto finance a home.A prospective buyer should call a local

bank that specializes in home loans suchasWestern Ohio Mortgage Corporationfor a pre-qualification. Pre-qualificationwill allow the buyer to know the loanamount they can borrow, the best loantype for their situation and give them aprice range to search for homes. Oftentimes, buyers are disappointed by fallingin love with a home that they later findout they can not afford.Once a prequalification letter is ob-

tained a buyer is free to contact a localRealtor to discuss homes they may be in-terested in and schedule a showing ofhomes you like the most. Most Realtors

will not show a home to a buyer withoutmortgage pre-qualification, so starting atthe bank is the most important step.After the buyer has found a home they

love in a price range they can afford, theoffer process begins with their Realtor.The Realtor presents the offer to the sell-ing party and they can counter, accept orreject. If an agreement is reached be-tween the parties, the home is “in con-tract.” This is the point where the buyerwill meet with their Licensed Loan Offi-cer atWestern Ohio Mortgage Corp to goover formal loan application, income doc-uments, bank statements, employmentand credit report information.Throughout the loan process many

things will take place - Home Inspections(whole house, termite, gas line, etc); Ap-praisal; Water Test; and Income, Credit

and Rent/Mortgage Verification.The Loan Processor will handle all veri-

fications and the Loan Underwriter willmake the decision if you are creditworthyand approve or deny your application.After the credit has been approved by

the Underwriter, a closing date will bescheduled. At closing the buyer will signall legal paperwork to become the newowner of the home and the seller will signto release their liability to the property.After the papers are signed, the keys areput in the buyer's hand and they are nowHomeowners!If you have more specific questions

about how YOU can be a new homeowner– Please call us today atWestern OhioMortgage Corp. 937 497 9662.

How to purchase and finance a home – step by stepMost people don’t think about rehabilitation until they need it. Even then, it’s often

a physician or other health care professional who recommends rehab to continue theperson’s recovery after a disabling illness, injury or surgery.It’s the goal of a rehabilitation facility to help people resume the ordinary activities

of daily life that they enjoyed before: earning a living, raising a family, running ahome, pursuing a hobby, playing sports, living independently.A good rehabilitationprogram offers therapy and education to avoid further injury.The Pavilion of Sidney offers a nurse liaison that collects are medical records prior

to admission so that a patient has less to worry about as well as ensures the staff hasthe necessary information to provide the best care possible.The type of rehabilitation facility you choose depends on the kind of illness or in-

jury experienced and its severity.There are two main types of rehabilitation facilities:Outpatient facilities where patients come and go for treatment on a daily or weekly

basis.Inpatient (or acute care) facilities where patients stay for days, weeks or months,

depending on their condition.Outpatient CareOutpatient activities may stand on their own or be part of a comprehensive rehabil-

itation facility.They commonly have therapy programs for:Sports injuriesHand rehabilitationStroke and other neurological injuriesSpeech-language or cognitive deficitsOrthopedic rehabilitation (includingosteoporosis or arthritis)

Industrial rehabilitation and return-to-workservices

Inpatient or Acute Care FacilitiesMost people who are admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility are recovering

from injuries or illnesses that severely impair their physical functioning or under-

standing. These include:StrokesSpinal cord injuriesChronic pulmonary problemsNeurological disordersJoint replacementsSurgical aftercareOther debilitating conditions.Consider the following factors in selecting an inpatient rehabilitation facility:• Does it have a physical entity equipped with the best in medical care, technology

and facilities?• Does the facility provide 24 hour nursing care?• Are its services well integrated and provided by multi-disciplinary teams?• It is accessible to your family and friends? Is it located near highways?• Does it have a caring and restful atmosphere? • Is the staff friendly and courte-

ous?•What size is the facility? Is it small enough so that a patient doesn’t feel “lost in

the crowd?”• Does it offer more that the basics in terms of facilities and services? For example:

Does it have a pool for aquatic therapy or a sports program for people with disabili-ties?Certain services should be available daily or twice daily: occupational, physical and

speech/language/hearing therapies as well as social work and psychological counsel-ing. Other important services are recreational therapy, vocational training and specialeducation services.Look for a continuum of care from the time of your admission past the time of dis-

charge. Anyone who is disabled will face a long period of adjustment and will needservices that are not anticipated.The Pavilion’s social services directory will coordi-nate home health, therapy,meals and other necessary services for people to return totheir home as soon as possible.

How to choose the right rehabilitation services for you


People have many opinions about whether youshould transfer assets when you want to protect themfrom nursing home and other health care costs. TheOhio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)calls the transfer of assets an improper transfer, butthere is absolutely nothing illegal about making such atransfer. In fact, transferring assets may be the appro-priate thing to do if it is mom’s or dad’s wishes thattheir entire estate not be consumed by ever increasinghealth care costs.Anyone, your neighbor, your banker, your health

care professional, your financial or legal professional,who advises you that your only option is to spend all ofyour assets until you reach $1,500 doesn’t understandthe current Medicaid rules as they relate to the trans-fer of assets.

Some Common Misconceptions1) An improper transfer of assets is illegal. This is

just not true. The Internal Revenue Service calls thesame transfer a gift and there is nothing illegal aboutmaking gifts at any time in your life.

2) An improper transfer will make the person seek-ing Medicaid benefits ineligible for five years.Again, nottrue.When ODJFS reviews bank and financial recordsfor the past five years (and they will!), they look fortransfers. If they find any, they must apply a formula todetermine a period of ineligibility.

3) People with money should pay their way untilthey reach $1,500 and qualify for Medicaid only aftertheir money is gone.The answer here is what did mom or dad really

want. Do they want to have worked their entire livesonly to give it all up for health care costs, or do theywant to leave something for their families, their church,their grandkids, or any other charity? In short, do theywant to control where their assets end up or do theywant to give it all to the health care system and lose allcontrol.But an analogy is in order here. The Internal Rev-

enue Service states that youMAY take deductions onyour taxes for your children, for your home mortgage,and for many other things that the IRS allows, as longas the deductions are legal and within the rules. Butthe IRS does not say that youMUST take those deduc-tions. In other words, if you don’t know the deductionsare available or you just feel that you aren’t payingenough in taxes, you can always not take the deduc-tions and send the IRS more money!!!Understanding the Medicaid rules is no different. If

you understand them and use them properly, you cantake the legal “deduction” that the rules offer. Alterna-tively, you can continue giving them too much money.

Concerns with Transfers1) Timing is extremely critical. The actual dates of

the transfers are not as critical, but the Medicaid appli-cation date is!!

2) Identifying and getting the proper valuations onproperty to be transferred is critical.

3) Identifying what property that can be trans-ferred is critical.

4) Understanding your options with real estate.5)Who will handle the transferred assets?6) Can assets be transferred after someone is al-

ready in the nursing home? (YES, by the way!)In short, transfer planning can be a very valuable

tool in preserving assets. This tool provides flexibilityin managing the assets, avoids probate and Ohio Es-tate Recovery, and maintains quality and dignity of lifefor mom or dad.Without this planning and once resources are ex-

hausted, mom or dad in the facility will exist on $40per month.With this planning, they can still make giftsto their kids and grandkids, to the church or othercause.As with any other planning tool, it is extremely im-

portant to review your situation and goals carefully be-fore making any decisions. Nothing in this article isintended as specific legal advice and a qualified attor-ney should be consulted to review your particular cir-cumstances.

– Jeff Brumbaugh,Attorney at Law

How to protect your assets by moving them

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You would never go to a doctor before checking theircredentials and references, so why wouldn’t you do thesame when taking your car in for collision repair?Sidney Body CARSTARAuto Body Repair Experts

offers the following tips for getting to know a collisionshop before turning over your car to them.“It’s all about doing your research, making sure

they are well-trained, certified and financially solid,and confirming all of the details of the repair processin writing,” said TomMartin, Owner, of Sidney BodyCARSTAR. “Just doing some homework in advancecan save a lot of headaches and money in the longrun.”When you choose a body shop for repairs, remem-

ber:� Do your homework and check out the shop, their

reputation, the business or trade associations they be-long to and if their technicians are I-CAR Trained.

� All reputable repair facilities will offer a war-ranty of some sort for the work that they com-plete…make sure it is in writing and well explained toyou.

� If the repair work is being done in a shop that theinsurance company recommended, they will haveleverage to assist you should there be an issue in the

process or after the repair is complete.� Only trust your vehicle to an established body

shop business. Beware of fly-by-night operators tryingto make a quick buck off of weather events like hailstorms or tornadoes. If they are set up in a tent ortemporary location, don’t trust them with your vehi-cle.

� Visit the body shop and survey the location. Ifthe lobby, customer areas and repair bays are cleanand well-organized, it’s more likely the business is runwell.Talk with the body shop staff to determine if they

will treat you with respect and honesty.Once your car arrives at the body shop for repairs,

there are some things you should keep in mind to en-sure you receive a quality repair:

� Review the estimate in detail, but remember thatit is for the visible damage and what it will take to re-pair the vehicle to pre-accident condition. If the esti-mate does not cover the full extent of damage, aSupplement will be created, submitted to your or theother person’s insurance company for approval.

� Get an exact timeline of when the work will bedone and when the job will be completed.

� Detail the payment terms and methods, including

downpayment, final payment and costs for any follow-up work.

� Ask the store manager for regular updates on thejob, and require approval for any work done outsidethe original estimate.

� Don’t be pressured to accept the completed repairif you don’t think it’s right. Contact your insuranceagent for guidance.While your car is in the body shop, it’s a good time

to have other dents and dings repaired. It should bemore cost-effective and your car will ultimately bene-fit.“Taking your car to a body shop doesn’t have to be

an intimidating or frightening process,” Martin added.“A good collision center is your partner in repairingyour car and returning you to the road safely. Youwant to make sure you do your research to find a part-ner that truly fits your repair needs.”CARSTAR Collision Service offers high-quality, reli-

able repair service in 28 states and 10 Canadianprovinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you need avehicle repair and they will send the tow truck, con-tact your insurance company, arrange for a rental carand repair your car. For information and store loca-tions visit www.CARSTAR.com.

How to get to know your collision repair shop2 March 2013 CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE • I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP I75 NEWSPAPER GROUP • CONSUMER HOW TO GUIDE March 2013 11

Diamond shopping can be very fun and exciting,but with numerous options it can also be a verydaunting task. As with any major purchase, it is bestfor consumers to be aware of exactly what they arepurchasing. To the naked eye two diamonds may ap-pear the same, but in actuality they may havegreatly different values.“It’s important for consumers to have general

knowledge of a stone’s quality before they purchaseit,” Jon Allison, owner of Allison’s Custom Jewelry,said.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has

established a standard system for grading the qual-ity of diamonds, commonly known as the four C’s.The four C’s include: cut, carat, color and clarity.Cut refers to a diamond’s angles and proportions.

Cut is commonly misinterpreted with the diamond’sshape.While cut and shape are related, it is the cutof the diamond that determines how much light willbe reflected, which creates that sought after sparkleeffect. The better the diamond’s cut, the more light itwill reflect. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shal-low the light entering through the top will escapethrough the bottom.Shape is merely a matter of personal preference.

The eight most popular shapes are round, marquise,pear, oval, emerald, princess, radiant and heart.Since round diamonds are the most symmetrical andcapable of capturing and reflecting the most light, itis the most brilliant of all diamond shapes.Carat refers to the diamond’s weight. This is often

confused with size, but the two are also related.Carat is the easiest of the four C’s to determine. Onecarat is the equivalent to .20 grams. One carat canalso be divided into 100 “points,” so for example a 75point diamond weighs .75 carats. Fine quality can befound in diamonds of all carat weights. A diamondwith a smaller carat weight can be more valuablethan one with a larger weight, if the smaller dia-mond has fewer imperfections.Color refers to the degree to which a diamond is

colorless. Diamonds are graded on a color scale rang-ing from D, colorless, to Z, vivid yellow. Colorless dia-monds are most valuable. The difference betweenone color grade to the next, such as G to H, is verysubtle and hard to detect by the untrained eye. Thisis why diamonds are graded under controlled light-ing conditions and are compared to a master set foraccuracy.While increasing shades of yellow do decrease a

diamond’s value, it may not decrease its beauty. Ifthe diamond is cut well, the amount of light it dis-perses can often disguise certain degrees of discol-oration. The average purchased diamond carries agrade of I or J.Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a di-

amond. Most diamonds have natural birthmarkscalled inclusions. These inclusions are identifyingcharacteristics, such as minerals or fractures, whichoccurred while the diamond was forming in theearth. Most are not visible to the naked eye. There-fore, jewelers use 10x magnification to get a betterview of the diamond’s inclusions.While inclusions donot generally affect the diamond’s beauty and usu-ally cannot be seen, their presence reduces the price.Clarity is graded on a scale with a range from inter-nally flawless (IF), very very small inclusions(VVS1-VVS2), very small inclusions (VS1-VS2),small inclusions (SI1-SI2) to imperfect (I1-I2-I3)with eye visible inclusions.“Quality is up to the individual as to how much

they want to spend,” Allison said. “Different factorsaffect every consumer’s decision. The thing is tryingto get the best possible look out of the stone for thebest value.”

How to choose the right diamond for you

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How To Guide Spring Edition 2013

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